LAREDO, Texas – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and colder weather, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Hebbronville Station rescued several individuals traveling on freight trains in two separate incidents within hours of each other near Hebbronville, Texas.
The first incident occurred shortly after midnight on December 12, during a freight train inspection. Agents located 12 individuals trapped inside two separate grain hopper train cars with no means to escape. The second incident occurred later that morning, when 11 individuals locked in a grain hopper train car were rescued during another freight train inspection.
All individuals were medically screened and subsequently determined to be in the United States illegally from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala.
In both incidences, none of the individuals were wearing any personal protective equipment and traveling in close quarters. This dangerous method of illegal entry into the United States by illegal immigrants is strongly discouraged as it often results in serious injury or death. The Laredo Sector Border Patrol continues to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous and hazardous means.
Despite the ongoing global pandemic, U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Laredo Sector continue to stand at the ready to secure the nation’s borders, prevent the flow of illegal immigration, the exploitation by human smugglers, and the spread of COVID-19.
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.