Suspected smuggler crashes into Rio Grande, swims to Mexico

HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) — A suspected human smuggler was arrested in South Texas after evading authorities a month ago by swimming to Mexico following a pursuit with law enforcement .

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested Juan Miguel Regalado, 27, in Laredo on Tuesday and charged him with human trafficking and escape. according to a DPS post on.

DPS officials say Regalado led troopers on a high-speed chase through downtown Laredo on April 20 before crashing the SUV he was driving into the Rio Grande and swimming across to Mexico from Tres Laredos Park.

The Texas Rangers helped identify Regalado from video of the chase and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He was arrested after being stopped for an inspection while driving in South Texas, officials said.

He was released Thursday on $30,000 bail, according to Webb County jail records.

Regalado is a member of the Tango Blast gang, DPS officials said on X.

Video of the April 20 chase posted on X shows the SUV hopping on sidewalks and several people jumping from the vehicle as it continued to move forward despite several sirens and law enforcement vehicles in pursuit.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at [email protected].