LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol and Webb County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) shut down a stash house in east Laredo.
The incident occurred during the late afternoon of March 2, when agents assigned to the Laredo South Station were advised by WCSO deputies they would be conducting a welfare check at a residence on North India Avenue after reports of suspicious activity possibly involving narcotics were made to their office. WCSO and agents approached the residence and encountered 24 occupants. An immigration inspection of the individuals revealed that they are illegally in the United States and from the countries of Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras.
None of the individuals were wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE). All of the individuals were medically screened and taken into custody pending investigation.
Despite a noted increase in COVID-19 infections among detainees, the smuggling and housing of large groups of individuals in stash houses without PPE not only endangers the people being smuggled, but the safety of our Nation. The Laredo Sector is made up of agents who partner with their law enforcement counterparts to meet the agency’s Enduring Mission Priorities of countering terrorism, combating transnational crime, securing the border, and facilitating lawful trade and travel while protecting revenue.
Take a stand against these criminal organizations and other potentially dangerous acts by reporting suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. 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. If you see something, say something.