LAREDO, TEXAS – U.S. Border Patrol agents foiled a several human smuggling attempts over the weekend.
The first incident occurred during the afternoon of June 19, when a white tractor-trailer with two visible occupants entered into the Interstate 35 (I-35) checkpoint and a Service canine alerted. Agents conducted a non-intrusive scan of the vehicle and detected individuals in the trailer. After opening the trailer, agents discovered 22 Mexican nationals in the country illegally. The 22 individuals along with the driver and passenger, both U.S. citizens, were taken into custody pending further investigation. The tractor was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol. The trailer was found to be reported stolen and was turned over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.
The second incident occurred during the early morning of June 20, when a white tractor-trailer approached the I-35 checkpoint. A Service canine alerted agents. Agents opened the trailer and discovered 61 individuals, all illegally present in the United States, from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. None required immediate medical attention. The individuals and the driver, a U.S. Citizen, were taken into custody pending further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Both the tractor and trailer were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The final incident happened during the early morning of June 22, when agents at the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 59 encountered a box truck with a visible driver and passenger. A Service canine alerted, and agents opened the back of the vehicle and discovered a hidden compartment in the roof. Inside were 11 individuals from Mexico in the country illegally. The individuals, along with the driver and passenger, both U.S. Citizens, were taken into custody pending further investigation. The vehicle was turned over to the Duval County Sheriff’s Office.
Despite the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, smugglers continue to endanger the lives of individuals they exploit and the health and safety of our Nation. U.S. Border Patrol agents strive to prevent the flow of illegal immigration and slow the spread of COVID-19.
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.
