LAREDO, TEXAS – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Freer Border Patrol Station rescued 17 individuals during a human smuggling attempt at the checkpoint located west of Freer, Texas.

The event unfolded during the early hours of Feb. 7, when a canine alerted agents to a flatbed commercial truck hauling cement sacks, blocks and square tubing. Agents inspected the cargo and discovered a hollowed out space within the square tubing containing multiple individuals. Agents successfully extracted the men and women from the confined space and determined that all were illegally present in the United States. The individuals were from the countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.

Agents arrested the driver, a U.S. Citizen, and the individuals. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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.