Alleged smuggler crashes into Rio Grande, swims to Mexico

HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) — A suspected human smuggler has been arrested in South Texas after eluding authorities a month ago by swimming to Mexico after a chase with law enforcement.

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested 27-year-old Juan Miguel Regalado on Tuesday in Laredo and charged with human smuggling and evading arrest, according to a post by DPS on X.

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.

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

He was arrested after he was pulled over for an inspection while driving in South Texas, officials said.

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

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

Video of the April 20 chase posted on X shows the SUV hopping curbs and multiple people jumping from the vehicle as it kept going despite several sirens and law enforcement vehicles in pursuit.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@Borderreport.com.