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  4. Border Patrol Agents Rescue 55 Illegal Aliens from a Tractor-Trailer

Border Patrol Agents Rescue 55 Illegal Aliens from a Tractor-Trailer

Release Date
Thu, 09/06/2018

LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 rescued fifty-five (55) illegal aliens from a tractor-trailer.

On September 5, agents at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection lane.  During the immigration inspection, a service canine alerted to the odor of narcotics and/or concealed humans.  At secondary, agents broke the seal to the trailer and discovered 55 individuals concealed amid the commodity being transported. 

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents rescued 55 illegal aliens locked inside a tractor trailer atat the Interstate 35 checkpoint
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents
rescued 55 illegal aliens in sweltering
conditions in a locked tractor trailer at
the Interstate 35 Border Patrol checkpoint.

The conditions inside the trailer were potentially lethal with an internal temperature of nearly 100 degrees and limited airflow.  The 55 subjects were found sweating profusely and were immediately evaluated by an Emergency Medical Technician.  All were found to be in stable health conditions and identified as being illegally present in the United States.  The individuals were from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  The male driver, a United States citizen, was arrested and the tractor-trailer was seized. 

“The United States Border Patrol not only protects the nation’s borders, but also ensures those who cross into the United States illegally are treated humanely.  We will continue in the disruption and deterrence of any careless tactics utilized by smugglers,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021