U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 100 people inside a refrigerated trailer where the temperature was recorded at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, authorities said.
A tractor hauling a refrigerated trailer approached the Interstate 35 checkpoint on Wednesday afternoon. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection following a K-9 unit alert. Agents then discovered 100 people concealed in the refrigerated trailer with an interior temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Agents said none required medical attention. All were immigrants from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras who had crossed the border illegally.
Border Patrol detained the immigrants along with the driver, a U.S. citizen with an extensive criminal history. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are further investigating the case. Authorities said the tractor and trailer had been reported stolen. The Webb County Sheriff’s Office seized the tractor and trailer.
Border Patrol said this is another incident that is indicative of the criminal element involved in the smuggling of people into the country for profit. Authorities further stated that smugglers have no regard for the safety of the people they exploit while also endangering agents and communities.
“We continue to see dangerous tactics being used by smugglers, including packing 100 people into a tractor trailer. As COVID-19 remains a threat to our agents, our healthcare workers, and the public, smugglers continue to knowingly irresponsibly put everyone at risk in order to make a profit,” Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said.
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. Border Patrol agents discovered 100 people inside a refrigerated trailer where the temperature was recorded at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, authorities said.
A tractor hauling a refrigerated trailer approached the Interstate 35 checkpoint on Wednesday afternoon. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection following a K-9 unit alert. Agents then discovered 100 people concealed in the refrigerated trailer with an interior temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Agents said none required medical attention. All were immigrants from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras who had crossed the border illegally.
Border Patrol detained the immigrants along with the driver, a U.S. citizen with an extensive criminal history. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are further investigating the case. Authorities said the tractor and trailer had been reported stolen. The Webb County Sheriff’s Office seized the tractor and trailer.
Border Patrol said this is another incident that is indicative of the criminal element involved in the smuggling of people into the country for profit. Authorities further stated that smugglers have no regard for the safety of the people they exploit while also endangering agents and communities.
“We continue to see dangerous tactics being used by smugglers, including packing 100 people into a tractor trailer. As COVID-19 remains a threat to our agents, our healthcare workers, and the public, smugglers continue to knowingly irresponsibly put everyone at risk in order to make a profit,” Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said.
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.