Rio Grande Valley agents rescue five immigrants trapped in refrigerated trailer

FALFURRIAS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued five people from a locked tractor trailer at the Falfurrias Checkpoint Thursday night.

The rescue occurred when the refrigerated tractor trailer was referred for secondary inspection after a K-9 alert. During inspection, agents discovered the immigrants concealed within boxes of watermelons. The immigrants had no means of escape from the cold temperatures. The subjects were offered medical attention but declined.

The driver, a Mexican national, was arrested and referred for prosecution. The immigrants came from Mexico and El Salvador and will be processed accordingly.

RGV Sector urges immigrants not to jeopardize their lives by illegally entering the United States or by attempting to circumvent a checkpoint. The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.