SIERRA BLANCA, Texas – Sierra Blanca Border Patrol agents encountered a large human smuggling scheme at the Interstate Highway10 immigration checkpoint near Sierra Blanca, Texas.
On May 11, 2021, Sierra Blanca agents encountered a vehicle hauling a cargo trailer in the primary inspection lane of the immigration checkpoint located on I-10. During the primary inspection a USBP service K-9 alerted to the vehicle. The vehicle was directed to the secondary inspection area to conduct a further inspection of the vehicle and its contents. Upon inspection, 20 undocumented migrants were discovered in both the bed of the truck, covered by a hard plastic cover that was sealed shut, and in the trailer that could only be opened from the outside, with no source of ventilation or space to move freely. Two undocumented tender-aged migrant children were also found in the trailer.
“Sierra Blanca agents rescued multiple individuals from unsafe conditions and quickly enacted any requested medical services for all who were concealed in these dangerous conditions,” said Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean McGoffin. “Human smuggling is extremely dangerous; luckily our agents and K-9 assets were able to help these individuals.”
All individuals were processed according to Big Bend Sector protocols. The driver will be presented for federal prosecution.
Big Bend Sector partners with many local and state law enforcement entities to keep our border communities safe. If you see something suspicious, report it by contacting our 24/7 hotline at
1-866-581-7549. Together, we can continue to uphold national security and combat illicit activity.
Honor First!
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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.
