U.S. Border Patrol agents have claimed that cartels are using rideshare apps to transport undocumented immigrants within the United States, according to Fox News.
During a segment, Fox News correspondent Brooke Taylor revealed that while illegal border crossings are at an all-time low, smugglers and cartels have increasingly turned to rideshare services to move undocumented immigrants deeper into the country.
“They don’t want to lose a gang member. They don’t want to lose a cartel member. They don’t want to lose vehicles. They want to be able to use the public — agents warn drivers who accept these suspicious fares could be detained and even face felony alien smuggling or harboring charges,” Jose Navarro, a border patrol agent at El Paso, Texas, told Fox News.
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Border Patrol agents reportedly warned drivers to be cautious of pickup requests in remote areas, third-party bookings, or passengers who appear “dirty, anxious, or arrive in groups.” Agents said drivers who accept such suspicious requests could be detained and even face felony charges for alien smuggling or harboring undocumented immigrants.
“You might think that the situation is… ‘that I’m just doing my job’. But you’re making money for these criminal organizations. These cartels that extort families,” Navarro said.
Uber said driver safety is its top priority, pointing to its in-app safety features and noting that drivers can cancel rides at any time, according to Fox News. These incidents are not limited to Texas but have also been reported in Arizona. Drivers, who are caught transporting undocumented immigrants, could face detention, vehicle forfeiture, and federal charges for alien smuggling or harboring undocumented immigrants.
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A statement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also echoed similar concerns with El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jesse D. Munoz saying, “Cartel criminal smugglers recklessly endanger the lives of rideshare drivers and passengers alike, treating legitimate drivers as disposable tools for their smuggling operations. When these trips are intercepted, drivers face immediate detention and asset forfeiture while federal agents investigate their level of involvement in the smuggling network.”
The advisory also urged drivers to report any suspicious activity or suspected human smuggling immediately through official law enforcement hotlines. “For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1. Citizens and drivers are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509,” CBP stated.