LAREDO, Texas – Within days of each other, Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered undocumented individuals using railcars as a dangerous method of traveling further into the United States.
The first incident occurred on June 8, when Hebbronville Border Patrol agents discovered 12 undocumented individuals while conducting train checks near Hebbronville, Texas inside a car-hauler. On June 12, Border Patrol agents from Laredo South Station discovered several individuals trapped in the boxcar with no means of escape. Agents were able to assist two individuals out of one railcar and discovered that an adjacent covered hopper had more individuals trapped inside including one that was unconscious. Using rescue equipment, 13 individuals were rescued from the confined space.
The individuals were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. After two of the individuals were treated for dehydration and evaluated by on-site medical personnel, they were processed accordingly.
This dangerous method of traveling through the United States after illegal entry is strongly discouraged as it often results in serious injury or death. Many times, migrants choose this grueling method of transportation without realizing the consequences of their actions until it is too late.
Help take a stand against criminal organizations and their potentially dangerous acts by reporting suspicious activity. To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.