LAREDO, Texas – On March 6, 2018, Agents at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Highway 59, near Freer, Texas encountered a utility truck at the primary lane. The driver was questioned regarding his immigration status and was referred to secondary for further inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of narcotics and/or humans. Border Patrol agents discovered seven illegal aliens concealed within the bed compartment of the truck. The seven illegal aliens were found sweating profusely; however, they did not require medical attention. The subjects were determined to be from the country of Mexico. The driver, a United States citizen, was arrested. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the lead on this case.
“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 Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.
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.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994. All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure illegal aliens with criminal histories are positively identified.