SIERRA BLANCA, Texas – United States Border Patrol conducting traffic operations at the Interstate 10 Immigration Checkpoint interdicted a tractor-trailer smuggling scheme.
On Saturday, April 23, 2022, Border Patrol agents working the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint on IH-10 encountered a tractor trailer in the primary inspection lane. The driver of the trailer was nervous and was in a rush to leave the checkpoint. The trailer was referred to the secondary inspection lane. In the secondary inspection area, a K-9 alerted to the trailer and agents discovered a total of 48 undocumented migrants.
As agents removed the subjects from the trailer, they documented that most were sweating profusely and looked to be overheated. All subjects were transported to Sierra Blanca Border Patrol Station for medical screening and processing. The criminal investigation was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.
“The fight against human smuggling is ongoing,” said Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin. “Organized human smugglers are putting innocent lives at risk, the thoroughness of our agents, and our K-9 partners, brought an end to this dangerous scheme.”
Big Bend Sector partners with many local and state law enforcement entities to keep our border communities safe. If you see something suspicious, report it by contacting our 24/7 hotline at
1-866-581-7549. Together, we can continue to uphold national security and combat illicit activity.