LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TX – A suspected human smuggler breached Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas on Friday while attempting to evade authorities, marking the second security incident at the base in just over a week.
The suspect led Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers on a high-speed chase through Val Verde County, according to Lt. Chris Olivarez. During the pursuit, the suspect drove onto the military base, prompting a lockdown. The chase continued for approximately eight minutes before the suspect veered off-road, crashed through a second fence, and fled on foot. Two Guatemalan nationals found in the vehicle were apprehended.
This breach follows a similar incident the previous week when a 17-year-old Mexican national jumped a fence at the same base while fleeing from Del Rio Border Patrol agents. The teenager was eventually captured after an hour-long search involving canine units. Four other men, also believed to be illegal immigrants, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Laughlin Air Force Base officials emphasized the importance of security measures in response to these breaches. “Enhancing and evaluating base security measures is a top priority for our 47th Security Forces Squadron,” said Capt. Christine Del Aguila, Chief of Public Affairs. She noted that the base collaborates with external law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of personnel and resources.
These back-to-back breaches at Laughlin Air Force Base come on the heels of an attempted intrusion at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia by two Jordanian nationals. The recent incidents have raised concerns about the security of U.S. military installations amid ongoing border enforcement challenges.
The base has reiterated its commitment to maintaining robust security protocols and coordinating with law enforcement to prevent future incidents. However, specific tactics and procedures remain undisclosed for operational security reasons.