LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents intercepted a large human smuggling attempt at the Interstate Highway 35 Checkpoint.

The incident occurred late in the evening hours of March 5, when a gray tractor hauling a white trailer approached the I-35 checkpoint. During an immigration inspection of the driver, a service canine alerted to the trailer, subsequently prompting agents to open the trailer. Upon opening the trailer, agents discovered a large group of people inside. A total of 90 people, including five unaccompanied juveniles, were discovered and removed from the trailer.

All of the people inside were illegally present in the United States and were from the countries of the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

The individuals and the driver, a U.S. citizen, were taken into custody pending investigation.

The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.