Texas sheriff stops transmigrante carrier hauling stolen cars bound for Mexico

CDL Life, By Ashley, July 17, 2026

The Presidio County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) prevented multiple stolen vehicles from crossing the border into Mexico.

On July 16, PCSO deputies conducted a traffic stop on a transmigrante carrier traveling in Presidio County, Texas, after observing expired temporary vehicle tags.

The vehicles were being transported to Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Deputies noted that the 2025 Toyota RAV4, 2015 Toyota Tacoma, and 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser being transported all had fictitious vehicle identification numbers.

PCSO said that the vehicles were reported stolen out of Houston.

The stolen vehicles were recovered before they crossed the border into Mexico, PCSO said.

Police said that the driver, Bernardo Espinoza, 55, of Nicaragua, was arrested on three counts of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle as well as Tampering with Vehicle Identification Numbers.

The tractors and trailer were seized by PCSO as part of the investigation.

“The Presidio County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank U.S. Border Patrol for their assistance and continued partnership in combating vehicle theft, recovering stolen property, and preventing criminal activity along the Texas-Mexico border,” said Joel Nuñez, Jr., Chief Deputy Sheriff.

Transmigrante carriers transport used vehicles from the U.S. through Mexico for sale in Central America.

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