LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas, rescued 62 illegal aliens from a refrigerated tractor-trailer.
On August 29, agents at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection lane. Upon further inspection, agents discovered the 62 illegal aliens concealed inside the trailer. The 62 illegal aliens were found in good health and identified as being from the country of Mexico. The female driver, a United States citizen, was arrested and the tractor-trailer was seized by Border Patrol.
Laredo Sector continues to see an increase in human smuggling cases involving refrigerated tractor trailers.
“These criminal organizations view these individuals as mere commodities without regard for their safety. The blatant disregard for human life will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle these organizations and prosecute those responsible,” said Laredo Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens.
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.