Footage surfaced on Wednesday that appears to show a Texas National Guard soldier in Eagle Pass getting caught attempting to smuggle an unlawful migrant in a government vehicle.
The video was posted on X by Ali Bradley, a NewsNation correspondent.
Editor’s note: This video contains coarse language.
#BREAKING A Texas National Guard soldier deployed from McAllen to Eagle pass under Operation Lonestar was busted for attempting to smuggle an illegal immigrant in a government vehicle on Sunday.
Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe says the soldier turned around when he approached a… pic.twitter.com/HrIIqXmNTq
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 3, 2024
It captured the arrest of Savion Johnson, a member of the Texas National Guard.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) became alarmed on March 31 when the National Guard soldier approached the border patrol checkpoint in Kinney County. Troopers were put on alert by the soldier’s behavior, and a pursuit occurred as Johnson, driving a government-issued SUV, purportedly left the scene.
According to Bradley, DPS used spike strips to stop the vehicle.
“[Kinney County Sheriff’s Office] assisted in the stop — TX DPS is currently investigating but sources tell me the soldier did not have access to the license plate readers or other technology that would have aided him in his efforts. He was armed so that escalated the smuggling charge. Sources say he was promised $5-6k to transport that one individual,” Bradley posted on X.
The Dallas Express reached out to DPS for comment. A spokesperson for the agency, Sheridan Nolen, responded.
“The Texas Department of Public Safety can confirm it arrested Savion Johnson, 26, on March 31, 2024, in Brackettville, Texas, on charges of evading arrest, smuggling of persons, and unlawful carry of a weapon. This is still an ongoing investigation, and we would refer any additional questions to the Kinney County District Attorney’s Office,” Nolen wrote.
The video went viral on social media outlets like X, with a number of users sharing and reacting to the video.
Right Angle News Network posted, “We have traitors among us. Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe confirmed the soldier’s arrest after a pursuit involving Texas DPS. Sources reveal the soldier, armed at the time, was promised $5,000 to $6,000 for the smuggling attempt. Investigation ongoing. Who is paying OUR soldiers to betray the American people?”
