VIDEO: Texas DPS finds 23 people stuffed in sleeper berth after pulling over driver operating semi truck without CDL

A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) traffic stop uncovered a major human smuggling attempt involving a man operating a semi truck without a commercial driver license (CDL) in La Salle County.

Shortly after 5 p.m. on November 28, 2025, a Texas DPS trooper initiated a traffic stop on a white Freightliner truck for driving on an improved shoulder along IH-35.

During the traffic stop, the trooper learned that the Freightliner driver, John David Amaya, 24, did not have a CDL.

With assistance from a canine unit, officers searched the truck and found 23 people concealed within the sleeper berth area of the Freightliner.

Texas DPS identified the people as “illegal immigrants from Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico” who were then referred to U.S. Border Patrol.

Amaya was arrested and charged with 23 counts smuggling of persons.

“As a reminder, Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation in 2023 creating a mandatory 10-year minimum prison sentence for individuals convicted of smuggling of persons. If convicted, Amaya could face prison time,” Texas DPS said.

You can view video of the traffic stop and arrest below.