LAREDO, TEXAS – Two human smuggling attempts were stopped by Border Patrol agents assigned to the Cotulla Station. Two stolen vehicles were also recovered from the attempts east of Catarina, Texas.
The incidents occurred during the late afternoon of November 4, when agents responded to reports of two pickup trucks exiting a ranch onto Farm to Market Road 133 with several visible individuals attempting to conceal themselves in the bed of each vehicle.
As agents neared the area, they noticed the first vehicle drive through a nearby ranch fence before coming to stop. With assistance from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, they were able to apprehend ten individuals after absconding into the brush. The second vehicle veered off the road into another ranch fence several miles from the first vehicle. Agents located the abandoned vehicle and apprehended an additional 11 individuals scattered in the brush.
A total of 21 individuals were in the United States illegally and all were from the country of Mexico. All were medically screened on scene and taken into custody. Both vehicles used in the attempts were reported as being stolen and were turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
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.
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