LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Hebbronville Station (HEB) averted another dangerous human smuggling act by rescuing several individuals from a train car west of Bruni, Texas.
The act occurred on the late afternoon of October 13, when the station received a report of possible stowaways on a train traveling east from Laredo. Agents responded to inspect the train when it stopped near Bruni. The agents discovered 11 individuals inside a grain hopper train car who had no means of escaping. They were subsequently extracted from the train car with the use of a ladder that was lowered into the car from the opening in the roof.
The individuals were medically screened and found to be in good health. They were determined to be illegally in the United States from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. They were taken into custody pending further investigation.
The U.S. Border Patrol continues to warn against this dangerous method of human smuggling and furthering of illegal entry. By trapping people inside small, confined spaces with no means of escape, poses tremendous risks. In addition, not one of the individuals was wearing any type of personal protective equipment, increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection and spread. In recent weeks, there have been multiple incidents of people losing limbs in attempts to board moving trains. The risks are not worth losing a life.
Agents of the Laredo Sector will continue their agency’s vision of enhancing 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.
-CBP-