Agents Apprehend Over 100 in Two Separate Human Smuggling Attempts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
LAREDO (News Release) – Laredo Sector agents from the Laredo West Station apprehended over 100 undocumented individuals during two separate human smuggling attempts at the U.S. Highway 83 checkpoint northwest of Laredo.
The first incident occurred shortly before midnight on July 11, when a box truck approached the primary inspection of the checkpoint. A Service canine alerted agents and the driver was referred to secondary. Agents discovered over 10 individuals inside the cargo area that were in the U.S. illegally and from the country of Mexico.
The second incident occurred two days later when a tractor-trailer approached the checkpoint. A Service canine alerted agents and the driver was referred to secondary inspection. Agents discovered almost 90 individuals inside the trailer. All were in the U.S. illegally and from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
Human smugglers continue to have no regard for the safety and health of the people they exploit as they are treated like a commodity for profit. Laredo Sector agents focus on the agency’s enduring mission priorities of countering terrorism, combating transnational crime, securing the border, facilitating lawful trade, protecting revenue, and facilitating lawful travel.
To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
