LAREDO, TEXAS – With the assistance of the Laredo Police Department (LPD), Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station saved several individuals during an abandoned human smuggling attempt in north Laredo.
The incident began during the early evening of October 15, when agents and LPD acted on a report of several individuals being loaded into a tractor-trailer behind a retail store near San Bernardo Avenue.
With LPD support, agents discovered 63 individuals abandoned in the trailer with no Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), but fortunately, none required any medical treatment and were provided with PPE. All of the individuals were in the United States illegally and from the countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. They were taken into custody to be processed accordingly. U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle.
Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said, “We continue to see smugglers subject large numbers of illegal aliens to dangerous conditions. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to stop them in order to protect our community and prevent the potential loss of life.”
This callous and dangerous act is another example of the lack of regard human smugglers have for those they exploit for profit. Despite the threat of the global pandemic, agents of the Laredo Sector are committed to the Vision of the Laredo Sector to enhance the Nation’s security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and community trust along with a strong partnership with local law enforcement.
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.