LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents recently rescued 24 individuals being smuggled in a truck near Freer, Texas.
The incident happened at approximately 5:30 p.m., on October 12, when a box truck approached the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol checkpoint on State Highway 59. An immigration inspection of the truck’s driver determined he was a U.S. citizen.
24 illegal aliens within a tractor trailer that had
fled from inspection at the Hwy. 59 Border
Patrol checkpoint.
While at the primary inspection area, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the presence of possible concealed contraband in the vehicle. Agents referred the driver to secondary inspection, at which point the driver accelerated and drove away from the checkpoint.
Agents pursued the vehicle for approximately two miles before the driver pulled over. The driver was arrested, and a search of the vehicle revealed 24 individuals in the cargo area. Despite the temperature inside the cargo area being over 100 degrees, none of the subjects required medical attention.
The driver and subjects were taken into custody for processing, and the vehicle was seized by Laredo Sector Border Patrol. The case has been referred to Homeland Security Investigations.
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.