LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents on Monday evening rescued 66 individuals in an apparent smuggling attempt at the immigration checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo, Texas.
were rescued by Border Patrol
The incident happened shortly before midnight on April 30, when agents encountered a tractor-trailer in the primary inspection area. While at the primary lane, a Border Patrol canine alerted to the odor of concealed narcotics and/or humans in the vehicle.
The driver was instructed to move the vehicle to the secondary inspection area where further inspection revealed a total of 66 individuals including two juveniles locked in the trailer. Record checks on the individuals determined they were nationals of Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico with no legal right to be in the United States. All individuals appeared to be in good health and did not require medical attention.
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions. Our Border Safety Initiative (BSI) is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal alien deaths, educate and inform potential illegal aliens of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.
Border Patrol seized the vehicle and took into custody all subjects including the driver who is a U.S. citizen.
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.