U.S. Customs and Border Protection

LAREDO, Texas – (News Release) On June 14, Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents prevented a human smuggling attempt at the Interstate Highway 35 (IH-35) checkpoint north of Laredo, Texas. 

 The incident occurred early in the morning when a tractor-trailer approached the primary inspection lane at the IH-35 checkpoint. During an immigration inspection of the driver, a Service canine alerted to the vehicle, prompting agents to refer the driver to secondary inspection. The driver, as he made his way to the secondary inspection area, proceeded to drive through a non-intrusive imaging scan which revealed the presence of individuals inside the trailer. Agents discovered approximately 80 undocumented individuals inside.

 The undocumented individuals were identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.  All subjects, including the drivers, were medically screened, and provided with personal protective equipment.  They were taken into custody to be processed accordingly.