A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper intercepted a human-smuggling operation on U.S. 90 in Kinney County, arresting a San Antonio woman and securing the safe recovery of two young children during what began as a routine traffic stop.
Authorities said the vehicle contained four illegal aliens being transported to stash houses in Texas and Florida.
The stop involved a black Cadillac XT5 driven by Georgina De Hoyos of San Antonio.
Officials determined that the vehicle carried an adult man from Honduras and a woman from Belize traveling with her two children, ages 6 and 8.
Investigators learned the Honduran man had paid $10,000 to be smuggled into the U.S., with Florida as his intended destination, while the Belizean woman and her children were headed to a stash house in San Antonio, KVUE reported.
De Hoyos was arrested on four counts of human smuggling.
DPS officials commended the trooper’s vigilance, emphasizing the importance of proactive enforcement in protecting children and intercepting criminal operations.
Lt. Chris Olivarez, a DPS spokesman, shared footage of the traffic stop on social media, highlighting the need to identify suspicious activity along state highways.
The incident highlights ongoing enforcement efforts under Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) Operation Lone Star.
Launched in 2021, the program deploys the Texas National Guard, DPS tactical strike teams, and the Texas Tactical Border Force to work alongside U.S. Border Patrol.
The initiative aims to deter illegal crossings, apprehend human smugglers and cartel members, and prevent deadly narcotics, including fentanyl, from reaching Texas communities.
Authorities noted that smugglers frequently move illegal aliens through Texas along major highways, including U.S. 90, attempting to transport them from border points to stash houses in other states.
The Kinney County arrest demonstrates how routine traffic stops, combined with trained vigilance, can prevent dangerous trafficking operations and safeguard vulnerable children from exploitation.
DPS officials encouraged troopers to remain alert for indicators of smuggling, such as inconsistent travel plans and suspicious behavior by vehicle occupants, LifeZette noted.
The operation also highlights the challenges posed by federal border policies.
Despite consistent enforcement along the southern border, smugglers continue to attempt to move illegal aliens further into the country.
State-led initiatives like Operation Lone Star provide a critical supplement to federal efforts, helping to secure transportation corridors and disrupt organized trafficking networks.
After the arrests, all four illegal aliens were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody for processing.
The two children were safely recovered, reflecting the combined impact of proactive law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and collaboration between state and federal authorities.
DPS officials emphasized that continued vigilance, routine traffic enforcement, and interagency coordination are key to dismantling smuggling networks and protecting Texas communities.
This case reinforces the importance of state-level enforcement in supplementing federal efforts to secure the southern border and deter criminal activity.
Authorities say that arrests like this serve as a reminder that vigilance, coordination, and decisive action are necessary to prevent exploitation and uphold public safety.
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