LAREDO, TEXAS – An alert U.S. Border Patrol agent from the Laredo West station foiled an attempt to circumvent the U.S. Highway 83 (US-83) checkpoint and rescued several individuals along with recovering a stolen pickup truck and horse trailer north of Laredo.
The incident transpired during the early morning of September 10, when an agent observed a pickup truck hauling a horse trailer inside a ranch northeast of the checkpoint. Quickly responding, the agent encountered the vehicle as it was attempting to leave the ranch through a gate near State Highway 44.
As the agent approached the vehicle, the driver fled on foot into the nearby brush. The agent then discovered one individual in the front passenger seat and 42 individuals inside the horse trailer. They were all determined to be in the United States illegally and from the countries of Mexico and Honduras. None had any personal protective equipment (PPE) and were quickly medically evaluated. They were taken into custody pending further investigation.
Both the pickup truck and horse trailer were found to have been reported stolen and were turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said, “The photos in this incident are clear evidence that smugglers have no regard for the safety of the people they are smuggling and for the public they are putting at risk to potential exposure to COVID-19. None of the illegal aliens arrested had PPE and were packed close together for an extended period of time. Whether in a remote ranch area like this or within the city, our agents remain vigilant to stop all threats along our border.”
The Vision of the Laredo Sector Border Patrol is to enhance the Nation’s security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
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. If you see something, please say something. You can also follow us on our social media platforms on Twitter and Instagram @usbpchieflrt and @usbpdepchieflrt and on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.