LAREDO, Texas– During a hectic day, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol, working with other law enforcement agencies, closed down several stash houses in south Laredo.
Starting in the early afternoon of January 26 and continuing into the early evening, joint enforcement actions between Laredo Sector Border Patrol, Webb County Constables Precinct 3 (WCCO), Laredo Police Department (LPD), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) shut down three stash houses and apprehended 64 individuals.
Two of the incidents were a result of agents acting on information that individuals were being held against their will. All individuals were determined to be in the United States illegally from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Also apprehended was one U.S. citizen suspected as being the caretaker of the illegal aliens at one of the stash houses. None of the individuals were wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE). All of the individuals were medically screened and taken into custody pending investigation.
Laredo Sector agents have apprehended over 1,200 illegal aliens in stash houses since the start of this fiscal year which began on October of 2020. During the same time period last year, agents apprehended 231 illegal aliens. That’s an increase of 436%. These stash house apprehensions account for less than 4% of the nearly 32,000 illegal aliens apprehended since the beginning of this Fiscal Year.
Smugglers continue to house and hide large groups of individuals in stash houses without PPE despite a noted increase of COVID-19 in our community. This not only endangers the people being smuggled, but the safety of our Nation. The Laredo Sector is made up of agents who partner with their law enforcement counterparts to meet the agency’s Enduring Mission Priorities of countering terrorism, combating transnational crime, securing the border, and facilitating lawful trade and travel while protecting revenue.
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 on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.