LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector agents from the Laredo North Station intercepted a human smuggling attempt at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo.
The incident occurred during the late evening of July 20, when a rental company box truck approached the primary inspection of the checkpoint. A non-intrusive scan revealed several anomalies in the cargo area. A search revealed five undocumented individuals from Mexico hiding behind storage boxes in an attempt to conceal themselves. Also found within the cab of the truck was personal use amounts of marijuana. All subjects were taken into custody to be processed accordingly and the narcotics were seized by Border Patrol.
Human smugglers continue to have no regard for the safety and health of the people they exploit as they are treated like a commodity for profit. Vehicles such as box trucks are increasingly being used when trying to circumvent checkpoints to violate the immigration laws of the Nation. Laredo Sector agents focus on the agency’s enduring mission priorities of countering terrorism, combating transnational crime, securing the border, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and protecting revenue.
Help take a stand against criminal organizations and their potentially dangerous acts by reporting suspicious activity. To report suspicious activity such as human 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, say something.