Truckers attempted inspection bypass leads to discovery of 80 undocumented immigrants

80 undocumented immigrants were discovered in the back of a semi truck attempting to bypass inspection at the Texas-Mexico border on Saturday. 

The immigrants were discovered on December 5th at the border checkpoint near Laredo, Texas along Interstate 35.

According to the Laredo Morning Times, a tractor trailer failed to stop for primary inspection at the I-35 checkpoint. Once the truck driver finally complied with border patrol agents’ commands to stop, agents performed an x-ray scan of the rig which revealed ‘anomalies.’ 

Agents then opened up the trailer and discovered 80 people inside – all immigrants who had crossed the border illegally from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. All were in good health at the time of discovery and did not require medical attention. 

Still, agents say that, besides being illegal, human smuggling can be dangerous. 

“These vehicles are not made to carry people, putting the (immigrants) at risk of life-threatening injury and offer no protection from COVID-19 or other infectious diseases,” Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said.

 To report suspicious activity such as human or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” app or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.