LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo, Texas uncovered a smuggling attempt when they found 43 illegal aliens concealed in a refrigerated trailer.
aliens in a refrigerated trailer at the
Interstate 35 checkpoint.
On October 7, the event unfolded when agents encountered a blue Freightliner tractor pulling a white refrigerated trailer, with two visible occupants. During the primary inspection of occupants, a service canine alerted to the odor of concealed humans and/or narcotics. The tractor-trailer was referred to secondary and further inspection revealed 43 individuals from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. All individuals were illegally present in the United States.
The driver and passenger, both United States citizens, along with the illegal aliens were placed under arrest and processed accordingly. All of the individuals were evaluated and did not require medical attention.
To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll-free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.