Agents seize over 100 individuals in trio of tractor-trailer smuggling attempts

U.S Border Patrol agents successfully stopped three separate smuggling attempts this week involving tractor-trailers north of Laredo, Texas.

In total, agents apprehended 111 individuals.

The first incident occurred on March 8, when a tractor-trailer approached the checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35.  A canine inspected the vehicle at the checkpoint and a secondary search revealed 44 individuals concealed in the trailer.

The second incident occurred just a few minutes later when agents encountered a commercial tractor hauling a tanker on the west access road.  Agents conducted a vehicle stop and discovered 43 individuals.

The last incident occurred during the morning of March 9, when a tractor-trailer arrived at the I-35 checkpoint for an immigration inspection.  A canine inspected the vehicle and a secondary search revealed 24 individuals. 

All the individuals were determined to be in the United States illegally from the countries of Ecuador, El Salvador. Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

None of the individuals were wearing personal protective equipment. All were medically screened and provided PPE. Following this, the individuals were placed under arrest pending further investigation.  U.S. Border Patrol seized all vehicles.