LAREDO, Texas – Agents from the Cotulla Station, with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), prevented undocumented individuals from using grain hopper railcars to further their entry into the United States.
During the early morning of July 13, agents were conducting a train inspection south of Cotulla, Texas and discovered several individuals attempting to conceal themselves between the box cars. With the assistance of DPS, 17 undocumented individuals from the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico were apprehended. One noncitizen unaccompanied child was found among the group. The child was separated from the group for safety reasons, all were medically evaluated and cleared for processing.
This dangerous method of traveling further into the United States after illegal entry is strongly discouraged as it often results in serious injury or death. Many times, undocumented individuals choose this grueling method of transportation without realizing the consequences of their actions until it is too late. Fortunately, in this case, agents detected the individuals and were able to apprehend them before any fell victim to a heat related injury.
For anyone who is thinking of entering the United States illegally along the southern border, the message is simple: DON’T DO IT.
Help take a stand against criminal organizations who exploit undocumented individuals by reporting suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. To report suspicious activity such as human 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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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.