LAREDO, TEXAS – U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 35 (I-35) Border Patrol checkpoint north of Laredo stopped a human smuggling attempt.
The incident occurred around noon on July 8, when a late model pickup truck approached the I-35 checkpoint. As agents were conducting an immigration inspection of the driver, a Service canine alerted agents to the vehicle.
Upon further inspection of the vehicle, agents discovered two individuals hidden inside large suitcases in the back of the cab. Both of the individuals were illegally present in the United States from the country of Mexico. The individuals and the driver, a U.S. citizen, were taken into custody pending investigation and the vehicle was seized by U.S. Border Patrol.
Despite the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing summer heat, smugglers continue to endanger the lives of individuals they exploit and the health and safety of our Nation. U.S. Border Patrol agents strive to prevent the flow of illegal immigration and slow 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.
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