High-Speed Police Chase Linked to Migrant Smuggling Ends in Deadly Crash in Texas; Eight Killed, Including Two US Citizens

Investigation underway after a Houston-based human smuggler, ferrying Honduran nationals, collides head-on with a Georgia SUV during high-speed police chase on a Texas highway, igniting debate over risky pursuits amid heightened border activity.

Eight people, including Honduran nationals and two Georgia residents, were killed in a high-speed police chase involving a suspected human smuggler in Texas. The smuggler was fleeing from law enforcement officers when their vehicle collided with an SUV on Highway 57 near Batesville.
Hundreds of additional troopers have been stationed at the Texas border in recent years to curb the flow of migrants and drugs, leading to a significant increase in high-speed pursuits. Critics argue these chases often pose a high risk to the public, especially given that they frequently exceed speeds of 100 mph (160 kph).
In response to previous incidents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a new vehicle pursuit policy in January 2023 aimed at increasing safety. However, there is debate over whether these changes have been effective or widespread enough.
The identities of the victims have not been released, but it was confirmed that at least several of the deceased migrants were from Honduras. The two Georgia residents killed in the crash were identified as 67-year-old Jose Lerma and 65-year-old Isabel Lerma.
The incident has reemphasized the dangerous conditions migrants often face when attempting to cross the border. Further, Texas has experienced several previous lethal incidents related to human smuggling and high-speed chases. This is the highest migrant death toll in a crash since 13 were killed in a collision in California in March 2021.