BROWNSVILLE, Texas -- Federal agents are urging women who entered the country illegally to report if they have become the victims of abuse, exploitation or rape.

At least 10 undocumented immigrants reported being raped in South Texas by coyotes, or paid smugglers, and others during the last three months, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The women ranged in age from 14 to 31. They told authorities the attacks happened outdoors or when they were taken to hotels or safehouses.

“It’s very important that the victims bring us the information,” said Alonzo Pea, special agent in charge of ICE’s regional office in San Antonio. “The majority of them only report what happened after they have been captured.”

Routinely, federal agents work with local law enforcement to investigate cases of exploitation and abuse of immigrants. Undocumented immigrants can be placed in shelters or protective custody. They may be eligible for visas that allow them to stay in the United States while their case is investigated or prosecuted, Pea said.

“If they are victims, we will first help them, give them medical attention, psychological services, allow them to contact their family and contact their consulate,” he said.

In one case, a Mexican woman and her nephew reported being kidnapped by a taxi driver and a smuggler, who demanded more money. The woman also told Brownsville police that the smuggler raped her. One of the suspects, the taxi driver, remains in custody on two aggravated kidnapping charges, the other man remained at large.