Webb County, Texas, USA – On December 19, 2025, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers engaged in a high-speed pursuit in Laredo after a Ford Explorer attempted to flee.

Both the driver and passenger, U.S. citizens, abandoned the vehicle and tried to swim across the Rio Grande into Mexico.

The passenger, identified as Brenda Castro of Laredo, jumped into the river carrying her infant child in an effort to avoid arrest. Following directions from state and federal law enforcement, Castro returned to the U.S. and was taken into custody. Her infant was placed under law enforcement care.

Troopers discovered five illegal immigrants inside the vehicle and referred them to U.S. Border Patrol. The driver managed to escape into Mexico.

Castro has been charged with felony human smuggling and endangering a child.

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