LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents, along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Laredo Police Department (LPD), and Webb County Constable, Precinct 2 (WCCP2) shut down three stash houses in Laredo within several hours of each other on March 29.
The first stash house was discovered in the afternoon when agents along with HSI and LPD responded to information regarding a stash house near Zacate Creek. A search of the residence revealed 6 individuals inside.
An hour later, agents and WCCP2 encountered the second stash house with 7 individuals near downtown Laredo.
The third stash house was found later that evening in north Laredo after a report of suspicious activity. A search of the residence yielded the arrest of 18 individuals.
A total of 31 individuals were apprehended. All the individuals were medically screened and taken into custody pending investigation. They were found to be illegally in the U.S. and nationals of Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador.
The individuals were not wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE) and an increase in COVID-19 infections has not deterred the smuggling and housing of large groups of individuals in stash houses. This not only endangers the people being smuggled, but the safety of our Nation.
Laredo Sector agents will continue to partner with their law enforcement counterparts to meet the agency’s Enduring Mission Priorities of countering terrorism, combatting transnational crime, and securing the border while making every effort to ensure our communities are safe. Help us 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.