LAREDO, TEXAS – Acting on information received of suspicious activity at a residence, U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, in a joint law enforcement operation with Webb County Attorney’s Office (WCAO), shut down a stash house in south Laredo.
The incident occurred during the early evening of December 4, when the combined law enforcement agencies conducted a consensual search of a residence on San Francisco Avenue. The search led to the discovery of 17 individuals inside the home who were illegally in the United States from the country of Mexico. They were taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol pending further investigation. 
None of the individuals being harbored in the residence were wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). With a noted increase in COVID-19 infections among detainees, human smugglers house large groups of individuals in close quarters without PPE. This not only endangers the people being smuggled, but the safety of our Nation. Please help us to take a stand against these criminal organizations and potentially dangerous acts by reporting suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. Laredo Sector agents continue to meet the Enduring Mission Priorities of the agency to counter terrorism, combat transnational crime, secure the border, facilitate lawful trade and travel while protecting revenue.
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.
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.