Falfurrias, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Falfurrias Station saved the lives of 12 illegal aliens, who were confined in a cargo truck with no ventilation on Saturday.
Agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint were conducting an inspection on the truck when a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the presence of suspected contraband. The cargo truck was sent for an X-ray scan that indicated the possible presence of humans inside the vehicle. Agents opened the truck and found 12 people hidden inside. One person who was fainting from heat exhaustion and lack of ventilation was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
The rest of the group was sweating profusely and asked for water. They all stated that they had difficulty breathing inside the truck.
The driver was arrested on alien smuggling charges and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. The illegal aliens were processed for removal to their countries of origin.
For the current operating year, agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector have rescued more than 60 illegal aliens whose lives were in jeopardy due to a variety of circumstances.
To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector's toll-free telephone number at (800) 863-9382.