LAREDO, TX – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate Highway 35 checkpoint averted a human smuggling attempt after aliens were found hidden in cardboard boxes in a vehicle north of Laredo.
The incident occurred in the afternoon of October 3, when a commercial van approached the checkpoint. During the immigration inspection of the driver and front seat passenger, a Service canine alerted to the vehicle.
The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection where agents discovered several tape-sealed boxes in the van’s cargo area. Upon opening the boxes, 13 individuals were found hidden inside. They were medically screened, but were not in need of further medical attention.
The ambient temperature in the van was recorded as being 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The 13 individuals were determined to be illegally in the United States from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Ecuador.
Illegal Aliens Smuggled in Cardboard Boxes. CBP Image
They were placed under arrest along with the U.S. citizen driver and passenger pending further investigation. The rental vehicle used was towed at the owner’s expense.
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