Border Patrol agents in Laredo, Texas, say that they recently discovered nearly twenty illegal immigrants packed into the sleeper berth area of a semi truck.
The discovery was made on Tuesday, August 21, at a Border Patrol checkpoint on I-35, according to a news release from the agency.
Border Patrol says that a semi truck approached the primary inspection lane but was then referred to the secondary inspection lane after a canine unit alerted near the truck.
During the secondary inspection, agents say that they found eighteen illegal immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala “confined” in the sleeper area of the truck.
The semi truck driver, who is a citizen of the U.S., was arrested. His truck was seized by federal agents.
All of the illegal immigrants were in good health at the time that they were discovered.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) continues to investigate the incident.
Border Patrol encourages anyone who spots suspicious activity relating to possible drug smuggling or illegal immigration to contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.