44 undocumented immigrants found inside Laredo 18-wheeler

Local and federal officials said they had discovered 44 immigrants locked up inside a trailer on Monday. National Security investigations are investigating the case. Local and federal officials said they had discovered 44 immigrants locked up inside a trailer on Monday. National Security investigations are investigating the case. Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy Image 1 of / 162 Caption Close 44 undocumented immigrants found inside Laredo 18-wheeler 1 / 162 Back to Gallery

Forty-four immigrants who entered the country illegally were found Monday inside an 18-wheeler, according to federal authorities.

Laredo police and U.S. Border Patrol said the case unfolded after the 18-wheeler was pulled over in the 11900 block of Conley Road, between Mines Road and Interstate 35.

Authorities said they discovered 44 people locked inside of the trailer. Paramedics responded to the scene to check on the immigrants.

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“These criminal organizations view these individuals as mere commodities without regard for their safety,” said Laredo Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Gabriel Acosta in a statement. “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.”

Border Patrol said the immigrants were from Mexico and Guatemala. Authorities took custody of the driver, who was identified as Cedric Ladon Newton, 49. No charges had been filed as of Wednesday, federal court records show.

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Homeland Security Investigations special agents took over the suspected human smuggling case.