On July 8, 2017, Laredo North Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 encountered a tractor trailer at the primary inspection lane.
The driver was questioned regarding his immigration status and was referred to secondary for further inspection.
A closer inspection of the tractor-trailer resulted in the rescue of 33 illegal aliens inside the locked trailer.
The high temperature in Laredo on the afternoon of July 8th, outside of the tractor trailer – was 95 degrees.
The 33 illegal aliens were determined to be from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala.
The driver, a United States Citizen, was arrested.
“These criminal organizations view these individuals as mere commodities without regard for their safety,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta.
“The blatant disregard for human life will not be tolerated.”
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle these organizations and prosecute those responsible.”
The Laredo Sector Border Patrol will continue to warn against the dangers of people crossing illegally into the United States through dangerous environmental conditions.
Our Border Safety Initiative (BSI) is a humanitarian, bi-national strategy designed to reduce illegal alien deaths, educate and inform potential illegal aliens of the dangers and hazards of crossing the border illegally, and to respond to those who are in life-threatening situations.
To report suspicious activity, call 1-800-343-1994.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.
CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Learn More…
Border Patrol Holds Annual Border Safety Initiative (Learn More, Video)
