Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue 59 Illegal Aliens in a Tractor-Trailer

LAREDO, Texas – On April 20, 2018, Agents at the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection lane.  The driver and passenger were questioned regarding their immigration status and referred to secondary after a Border Patrol canine alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics.  Border Patrol Agents discovered 59 illegal aliens inside the trailer.  The 59 illegal aliens were found in good health and identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras and Peru.  The driver and passenger, both United States Citizens, were arrested and the tractor-trailer was seized by Border Patrol.  Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the lead investigative agency in this case.

“These criminal organizations view these individuals as mere commodities without regard for their safety.  The blatant disregard for human life will not be tolerated.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle these organizations and prosecute those responsible,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.

The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions.  Our Border Safety Initiative (BSI) is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal alien deaths, educate and inform potential illegal aliens of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.  All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure illegal aliens with criminal histories are positively identified.