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Border Patrol rescues 24 in failed human smuggling attempt

Posted at 4:58 PM, Oct 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-15 18:12:34-04

Border Patrol Agents rescued 24 people in a human smuggling attempt near Freer on Friday.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a box truck approached the State Highway 59 inspection station at about 5:30 p.m. When a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the vehicle, agents referred the truck to additional inspection.

CBP says a pursuit began when the driver accelerated away from the checkpoint. Agents chased the truck for about two miles before the driver pulled over.

A search of the vehicle revealed 24 persons hiding in the cargo area. Despite temperatures inside the truck being more than 100 degrees, agents say none of the subjects required medical attention.

The U.S. citizen driver and 28 subjects were taken into custody, and the box truck was seized by Laredo Sector Border Patrol.