SIERRA BLANCA, Texas – United States Border Patrol Canine Detection teams conducting traffic operations at the Interstate 10 Immigration Checkpoint interdicted a tractor-trailer smuggling scheme.
On October 23, 2021, Border Patrol Canine Detection teams working the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint on IH-10 encountered a tractor trailer in the primary inspection lane. A K-9 alerted to the trailer; agents then directed the vehicle to the secondary inspection lane. In the secondary inspection area, agents opened the trailer doors to discover a total of 31 undocumented migrants, from Guatemala and Mexico, were concealed among crushed aluminum.
“The vigilance and teamwork displayed by agents and their K-9 partners saved multiple individuals from a potentially dangerous situation.” Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin stated. “Transnational criminal organizations continue to expose undocumented migrants to unsafe conditions with little to no regard for their well-being.”
The driver and three occupants from the tractor trailer, were turned over to Hudspeth County Sheriff’s Office for prosecution. All undocumented migrants were medically evaluated and processed accordingly.
Big Bend Sector partners with many local and state law enforcement entities to keep our border communities safe. If you see something suspicious, report it by contacting our 24/7 hotline at
1-866-581-7549. Together, we can continue to uphold national security and combat illicit activity.
Honor First!
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.