Webb County, Texas – A smuggler in a stolen GMC Denali packed with ten people led Texas Department of Public Safety troopers on a high-speed chase on I-35.

During the pursuit, the driver stopped and allowed illegal immigrants to bail out before the vehicle became disabled.

The driver, Samuel Huerta, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, fled into the brush but was arrested with help from U.S. Border Patrol.

Huerta was charged with Smuggling of Persons, Evading Arrest, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

He told troopers he was being paid $500 per person he smuggled.

Ten people had been crammed inside the stolen vehicle. Nine illegal immigrants were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.

The GMC Denali was confirmed stolen out of Harris County.

This case highlights the continued efforts by DPS troopers to stop human smuggling under Operation Lone Star.

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