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  4. Border Patrol Halts a Human Smuggling Attempt

Border Patrol Halts a Human Smuggling Attempt

Release Date
Mon, 05/11/2020

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped a human smuggling attempt at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 (I-35), north of Laredo.

The incident occurred during the early afternoon hours of May 9, when a white tractor hauling a white trailer approached the I-35 checkpoint.  During an immigration inspection of the driver, a service canine alerted to the trailer.

Border Patrol agents apprehend 25 undcoumented aliens within a tractor trailer during an inspection at the Interstate 35 checkpoint
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered 25
undocumented aliens during an inspection of a tractor
trailer at the Interstate 35 checkpoint.

Agents searched the trailer and discovered 25 individuals, all illegally present in the United States from the country of Mexico.  The individuals and the driver, a U.S. citizen, were taken into custody pending investigation.  Both the tractor and trailer were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol. 

Despite the ongoing international COVID-19 pandemic, alien smugglers endanger the lives of individuals they transport and put at risk the health and safety of our Nation.  U.S. Border Patrol agents strive to prevent the flow of illegal immigration and slow the spread of COVID-19.

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. 

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021