LAREDO, Texas –On July 8, 2017, Laredo North Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 encountered a tractor trailer at the primary inspection lane. The driver was questioned regarding his immigration status and was referred to secondary for further inspection. A closer inspection of the tractor-trailer resulted in the rescue of 33 illegal aliens inside the locked trailer. The 33 illegal aliens were determined to be from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. The driver, a United States Citizen, was arrested.
“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, call 1-800-343-1994.