Six illegal aliens trapped inside cabinets rescued by U.S. border patrol agents

On June 4, 2018, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents assigned to work at the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 59, rescued six illegal aliens who were trapped inside cabinets in the back of a truck.  After a service canine alerted to the possible presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics, agents searched the truck to find the six illegal aliens from Mexico.



The six individuals were trapped inside large cabinets that were closed tightly with ratchet straps.  The illegal aliens had no means to exit the cabinets as they could only be opened from the outside with the removal of the straps.  The danger in which the six illegal aliens found themselves was compounded by the hot weather and the lack of air circulation inside the cabinets.  The female, a United States Citizen was the driver of the truck was arrested at the checkpoint and later turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for prosecution.

This incident highlights the dangers that illegal aliens often encounter at the hands of smugglers.  The unscrupulous smugglers all too often risk the lives of the illegal aliens by placing them in deplorable conditions.

“This rescue illustrates how Border Patrol works not only to enforce laws, but to protect the sanctity of life along the border.  We will always work diligently to disrupt and degrade criminal organizations that constantly put people’s lives in danger. Also, we will do whatever it takes to save lives and prevent people from being subjected to dangerous, deplorable situations,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Division Chief Greg Burwell.