LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents halted two human smuggling attempts involving commercial vehicles at the I-35 checkpoint.
On Sept. 27, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Border Patrol agents encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection lane. Agents conducted an immigration inspection of the driver when a Service canine alerted to the cab. The driver was referred to secondary and commenced a search of the commercial vehicle. During the search, agents discovered six migrants concealed inside the cab area of the vehicle.
Later in the evening, at approximately 7:30 p.m., agents encountered another commercial tractor in the primary inspection lane. As agents conducted an immigration inspection of the driver, they proceeded to conduct a search of the interior of the tractor when they discovered 28 individuals inside the sleeper area. Further inspection of the tractor revealed a bag containing small pills that tested positive for Fentanyl and a small bag of powdery substance that tested positive for Cocaine. The case is being handled by Homeland Security Investigations.
A total of 34 individuals were removed and processed in both cases. Record checks revealed that they were all in the country illegally. The migrants were from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. The migrants were processed accordingly, and the drivers will be prosecuted for human smuggling.