Texas National Guard Member Charged With Human Smuggling

A Texas National Guard soldier, deployed to Eagle Pass as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, was arrested Sunday for allegedly attempting to smuggle a migrant over the U.S.-Mexico border.

Texas’ Department of Public Safety confirmed in a statement to NewsNation that Savion Johnson, 26, is charged with evading arrest, smuggling of persons and unlawful carry of a weapon.

Breaking exclusive: I've obtained photos of the @TexasGuard National Guardsman accused of human smuggling at the southern border using his government-issued SUV. Savion Johnson allegedly tried to escape during the car chase, driving over 100 mph. Read: https://t.co/CuTWSf5uPU

— Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) April 4, 2024

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Sources say Johnson, who was promised $5,000 to $6,000, did not have access to license plate readers or other technology that could have aided him in his efforts. However, he was armed, authorities say, so the smuggling charge was elevated.

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“If the allegations are true, the accused is a traitor and criminal,” Abbott said in a statement to NewsNation Monday. {snip}