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Big Rig Smuggling Attempts Averted

Release Date
Mon, 08/31/2020

EDINBURG, Texas – Tractor trailer smuggling attempts continue throughout the Rio Grande Valley.     

Early Saturday morning, agents working at the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint referred a tractor trailer to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted. While inspecting the trailer, agents discovered eight illegal aliens concealed inside. Agents arrested the driver and escorted all subjects inside the checkpoint for further processing. Border Patrol is working with Homeland Security Investigations to seek federal prosecution.

That evening, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) requested assistance from the Weslaco Border Patrol Station after a local transport company discovered ten subjects inside one of their tractor trailers. Upon arrival, agents learned that during the pre-inspection of the tractor trailer, the driver noticed a broken seal on the trailer leading to the discovery of the people inside. The company called HCSO who relayed the information to Border Patrol. Agents determined all ten subject to be illegally present in the United States and took them into custody. 

The actions of the company’s driver to pre-inspect the tractor trailer and notice the broken seal was instrumental in identifying a potentially dangerous smuggling attempt. His diligence not only prevented a potential detention by law enforcement, but possibly prevented serious injury or death.

The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”   

Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation.  The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.  Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV, @USBPChiefRGV and @USBPDepChiefRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021