On October 1, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) conducted a significant operation in Hidalgo County as part of Operation Lone Star. The DPS Brush Team made several arrests following a vehicle pursuit involving human smugglers.

The incident began when a DPS Trooper attempted to stop a black Chevrolet Tahoe on Leeve Road and Military Road in Mission around 5 p.m. The driver did not comply, leading to a chase that concluded on FM 494. Inside the vehicle, authorities found three illegal immigrants and one American citizen who had been smuggled into the United States.

Nathan Iracheta, aged 17 from Pharr, was identified as the driver and arrested for smuggling persons and evading arrest. Eliezer Morales, a 30-year-old from McAllen and an American citizen being smuggled back into the country, was wanted by the McAllen Police Department for homicide charges. Additionally, Erik Gonzalez Torres, a 19-year-old from Mexico, was apprehended for his role in guiding the group across the Rio Grande. All individuals were taken to Hidalgo County Jail.

"DPS Makes Multiple Arrests During Human Smuggling Traffic Stop in Hidalgo County," reported by DPS - South Texas Region.