LAREDO, TEXAS – U.S. Border Patrol agents from Laredo Sector stopped a human smuggling attempt involving a U-Haul rental box truck in south Laredo and apprehended 114 illegal aliens.
The incident occurred during the evening of January 14, when agents responded to information of illegal activity at a location on Santa Rita Avenue. Agents arrived at the location and approached a suspiciously parked U-Haul rental box truck and discovered 114 individuals in the cargo area.
Most of the individuals were not wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE) when encountered. All of the individuals were provided PPE, medically screened, and taken into custody pending further investigation. They were determined to be illegally in the United States and from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Peru. The rental box truck was seized by U.S. Border Patrol.
Human smugglers continue to have no regard for the safety and health of the people they exploit for profit. With a noted increase in COVID-19 infections among detainees, the transporting of large groups of people without PPE in close dangerous quarters endangers the individuals and safety of our Nation. The Laredo Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol focuses on its enduring mission priorities of countering terrorism, combatting transnational crime, securing the border, facilitating lawful trade, protecting revenue, and facilitating lawful travel.
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, please say something. You can also follow us on our social media platforms on Twitter and Instagram @usbpchieflrt and @usbpdepchieflrt and on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.
-CBP-