Maverick County, Texas — U.S. Border Patrol agents, working with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and a K-9 unit, apprehended nearly two dozen individuals attempting to evade detection on private ranches in Maverick County on the night of May 26, 2026.
Among those detained were six Chinese nationals classified by authorities as “Special Interest Aliens” (SIAs), all dressed in camouflage clothing. They were part of a group of 12 individuals caught on one of the ranches near Eagle Pass.
According to DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez, the operation unfolded in two parts that evening under Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star. In the first incident, a tracking K-9 named Bona assisted in locating seven migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, India, Ecuador, and Cuba who were hiding on a private ranch. They were referred to U.S. Border Patrol.
Later that night, agents apprehended the second group of 12, which included the six Chinese nationals. The individuals were found on another private ranch in the area.
The Department of Homeland Security defines Special Interest Aliens as individuals from certain countries who, based on travel patterns or other indicators, may present a potential national security risk to the United States. China is among the countries that have seen a significant increase in migrant encounters at the southern border in recent years.
No information has been released publicly about the individuals’ identities, ages, or any specific criminal charges beyond the illegal entry. Authorities have not indicated any immediate links to terrorism or other threats in this specific case. The group was processed according to standard immigration procedures.
This incident occurs amid ongoing debates about border security, with Texas officials emphasizing the role of state-federal partnerships in addressing illegal crossings and evasion tactics on private property. Federal data shows fluctuating but historically elevated numbers of encounters with migrants from various countries, including China.
HB News will continue to monitor developments from official sources, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
