A man accused of smuggling undocumented immigrants is now facing federal charges after attempting to evade a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in New Mexico.
Roberto Rodrigo Velazquez-Lopez was officially charged in a New Mexico court on March 2, 2025, for evading Border Patrol officers and conspiring to transport undocumented individuals.
High-Speed Pursuit on I-25
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of New Mexico, Velazquez-Lopez was driving a sedan with Texas license plates along Interstate 25 in Doña Ana County when he failed to stop at a Border Patrol checkpoint. Instead of pulling over, he sped up to 110 mph before finally yielding to authorities.
Upon his arrest, Velazquez-Lopez admitted to entering the U.S. illegally and revealed that he had two undocumented immigrants hidden in the trunk of his vehicle. He confessed that he was instructed to transport them from El Paso to Albuquerque to settle a debt. Additionally, he disclosed that this was not his first time smuggling individuals, stating he had completed at least four similar trips in the past.
Border Patrol Responds
Following the incident, Border Patrol Agent Walter Slosar shared a statement on social media, confirming that a suspect who attempted to flee a Border Patrol checkpoint on I-25 in New Mexico was now facing federal charges.
Authorities continue to investigate the case as immigration enforcement remains a high priority along the U.S.-Mexico border.
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