A man accused of evading Border Patrol and smuggling undocumented immigrants has been formally charged in a New Mexico court. Roberto Rodrigo Velazquez-Lopez was indicted on March 2, 2025, for his role in an alleged human smuggling operation.
High-Speed Chase on I-25
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Mexico, Velazquez-Lopez was driving a sedan with Texas plates on Interstate 25 in Doña Ana County when Border Patrol attempted to stop him at a checkpoint. Instead of complying, he sped past the checkpoint, reaching 110 miles per hour before eventually pulling over.
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Smuggling Operation Revealed
Upon his arrest, Velazquez-Lopez admitted he was in the country illegally and disclosed that two undocumented immigrants were hidden inside the trunk of his vehicle. He further revealed that he had been instructed to transport the individuals from El Paso to Albuquerque as a way to repay a personal debt. Additionally, Velazquez-Lopez claimed this was not his first smuggling trip, admitting to making at least four previous runs involving undocumented immigrants.
Border Patrol Responds
Following the arrest, Border Patrol Agent Walter Slosar shared additional details about the case on social media, posting a video highlighting the ongoing issue of human smuggling in New Mexico.
Velazquez-Lopez now faces serious federal charges as authorities continue investigating human smuggling networks operating in the region.
