U.S. citizen arrested for human smuggling attempt of 53 illegal aliens

U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 (IH-35) north of Laredo, Texas, uncovered a human smuggling attempt when they discovered 53 illegal aliens inside the trailer.

On September 17, 2019, agents encountered a tractor-trailer with only one visible occupant at the IH-35 checkpoint. During primary inspection, a service canine alerted to the odors of concealed humans and/or narcotics, inside the trailer. The tractor-trailer was referred to secondary, where further inspection revealed 53 individuals from the countries of Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, all illegally present in the United States.

At the time of apprehension, the temperature inside the trailer was recorded at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the individuals were evaluated and did not require medical attention.  All subjects including the driver, a United States citizen, were placed under arrest and processed accordingly. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

The case is currently under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.