Border Patrol sniffs out human smuggling scheme after noticing truck driver was ‘nervous’ and ‘in a rush to leave’

United States Border Patrol agents recently uncovered a human smuggling attempt at an I-10 checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas.

On Saturday, April 23, 2022, Border Patrol agents working at the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint on IH-10 encountered a tractor trailer in the primary inspection lane.

Authorities said that the driver of the truck was “nervous and was in a rush to leave the checkpoint.”

The tractor trailer was referred for a secondary inspection.

After a canine unit alerted to the truck’s trailer, it was searched and agents discovered 48 undocumented migrants.

Border Patrol agents noted that the people in the trailer were sweating profusely and appeared to be overheated.

All subjects were transported to Sierra Blanca Border Patrol Station for medical screening and processing.  

The criminal investigation was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.

“The fight against human smuggling is ongoing,” said Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin. “Organized human smugglers are putting innocent lives at risk, the thoroughness of our agents, and our K-9 partners, brought an end to this dangerous scheme.”