Law Enforcement Halted a Human Smuggling Attempt
Press Release
LAREDO - Laredo Sector Border Patrol and Laredo Police Department (LPD) halted a human smuggling attempt in west Laredo near the downtown area.
The incident occurred during the evening of March 23, when agents assigned to the Laredo South Station, working with LPD, acted on two separate reports of a possible human smuggling attempt occurring at a residence on Santa Cleotilde Avenue.
After conducting a welfare check with LPD, agents discovered 49 individuals being held against their will in several apartments at the address. An immigration inspection revealed that the individuals are illegally in the U.S. and from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador. The illegal aliens were taken into custody for processing by Border Patrol. Also seized by LPD were several firearms found at the residence.
All the individuals were medically screened as none were wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE).
Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak said, “The collaborative work done by the officers and agents involved resulted in the apprehension of forty-nine persons, including two unaccompanied minor children, and the seizure of multiple firearms. This case highlights the dangerous nature of stash houses and their proximity and potential danger to neighboring residences and community.”
Source: Laredo Sector Border Patrol