LAREDO, TEXAS – In a continually increasing pattern since the end of last month, Border Patrol agents disrupted yet another large human smuggling attempt at the checkpoint north of Laredo.
The latest incident occurred during the early morning of May 4, when a white tractor, hauling a white trailer, approached the Interstate 35 (I-35) checkpoint. During an immigration inspection, a Service canine alerted to the rear of the trailer.
Agents proceeded to open the trailer, and discovered 54 individuals, including two juveniles, all illegally present in the United States from the countries of Mexico, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Honduras. The individuals, along with the driver and a passenger, both U.S. Citizens, were taken into custody pending investigation.
As temperatures rise, the Laredo Sector continues to see an increase in the number of individuals willing to put their lives in danger by being smuggled. A total of 102 individuals in the last six days have been discovered hidden within tractor trailers at the I-35 checkpoint.
The Laredo Sector asks for the community’s help in preventing these potentially fatal smuggling attempts. 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.
