Human smuggling suspects jump into Rio Grande River with infant child to avoid capture

LAREDO, Texas (WOAI/KABB) — In a dramatic attempt to evade arrest, a woman jumped into the Rio Grande with her infant child during a high-speed pursuit in Laredo.

On Dec. 19, a driver of a Ford Explorer led Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers on a chase before both the driver and passenger abandoned the vehicle and attempted to swim across the river into Mexico.

The passenger, identified as Brenda Castro of Laredo, took the drastic step of entering the river with her infant.

Under the direction of state and federal law enforcement, Castro returned to the U.S. side, where she was promptly arrested by Troopers. Her infant was placed under the care of law enforcement.

Inside the vehicle, Troopers discovered five illegal immigrants, who were subsequently referred to the U.S. Border Patrol.

The driver managed to escape into Mexico. Castro faces charges of felony human smuggling and endangering a child.