Agents at a Border Patrol Checkpoint rescued 59 undocumented immigrants from inside a tractor-trailer over the weekend.
The tractor-trailer was in the main inspection lane at the checkpoint on IH-35, north of Laredo, when agents questioned the driver and passenger on their immigration status. The tractor-trailer was taken to a secondary checkpoint area after dogs alerted agents of the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics.
The 59 undocumented immigrants were discovered inside the trailer in good health. They were identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras and Peru. The driver and passenger, both United States Citizens, were arrested and the tractor-trailer was seized by Border Patrol.
"These criminal organizations view these individuals as mere commodities without regard for their safety. The blatant disregard for human life will not be tolerated," said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle these organizations and prosecute those responsible."
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol continues to warn against the dangers of crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions. The Border Safety Initiative (BSI) is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal immigrant deaths, educate and inform potential undocumented immigrants of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.
To report suspicious activity such as an undocumented immigrant and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.
All people apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure undocumented persons with criminal histories are positively identified.
