A semi truck driver was arrested and his truck was seized by federal agents over the weekend after officers noticed stolen plates on the truck and decided to take a closer look.
The incident took place on Friday, November 9, near Laredo, Texas, according to News4SA.
At at checkpoint on I-35, Border Patrol agents became suspicious when they noticed that stolen license plates on a tractor pulling a refrigerated trailer. When the truck was pulled in for a secondary inspection, a canine unit alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics.
When agents opened the trailer, which was locked with a “fictitious seal”, they discovered 81 illegal immigrants inside — 67 men, 13 women, and one child.
The hidden immigrants came from various countries including Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Brazil, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. They are all believed to be in good health and were transferred into the custody of Homeland Security.
The truck driver is a U.S. citizen and was arrested along with the illegal immigrants. Federal authorities seized the truck and trailer.