LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo Sector prevented human smuggling attempts on two separate occasions at checkpoints north of Laredo, Texas.

The first incident occurred during the evening of November 8, when agents working the primary inspection lanes of the Interstate 35 Border Patrol checkpoint encountered a white tractor-trailer. During an immigration inspection of the driver, a service canine alerted to the odors of narcotics and/or concealed humans within the trailer. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection, where agents discovered 29 individuals concealed in the trailer who were found to be from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador in the country illegally. The driver and the illegal aliens were placed under arrest, pending investigation. The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The other incident occurred during the early hours of November 12, when agents assigned to the U.S. Highway 83 Border Patrol checkpoint encountered a tractor-trailer in the primary inspection lane. During an immigration inspection, a canine alerted to the odors of narcotics and/or concealed humans in vehicle. A search of the trailer at secondary inspection, revealed 27 individuals concealed inside. The individuals were from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras in the country illegally. HSI took custody of the case.

Both tractor-trailers utilized in the smuggling attempts were seized by the United States Border Patrol.

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.