Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Archived Content
    In an effort to keep CBP.gov current, the archive contains content from a previous administration or is otherwise outdated.
  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. Tractor-trailer smuggling attempts continue in the Rio Grande Valley

Tractor-trailer smuggling attempts continue in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Thu, 05/31/2018

FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents apprehended a total 26 illegal aliens in two separateFalfurrias agents thwart two tractor trailer smuggling attempts tractor trailer smuggling attempts at the Falfurrias Checkpoint.

On Tuesday, agents at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a tractor hauling a grain hopper to the secondary inspection area after a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the cargo. Upon inspection, agents discovered 16 illegal aliens hidden inside. The driver and passenger, both United States citizens, were arrested.

Later that evening, agents arrested another commercial truck driver after discovering 10 illegal aliens concealed inside the trailer he was hauling.

“It is deeply concerning that we continue to encounter this reckless tactic being utilized to smuggle immigrants,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. “The callous smugglers view the immigrants as a means to generate profits for the cartels.”

All subjects will be processed accordingly.

 Operation Big Rig encourages the public to get involved and help save lives by calling 911 if they see or are aware of these dangerous smuggling tactics, “They’re humans, not cargo!”

 Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021