EAGLE PASS, Texas — During the execution of a search warrant Wednesday, law enforcement authorities discovered 39 smuggled illegal aliens hidden in a suspected stash house awaiting transportation from their human smugglers.

The search warrant was executed at a residence just south of Eagle Pass May 23 by special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol and Maverick County (Texas) Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to the 39 illegal aliens administratively arrested on immigration violations, HSI special agents also criminally arrested one U.S. citizen who is a suspected human smuggler; he has been federally charged with human smuggling.

According to authorities, the temperature inside the residence was 114 degrees Fahrenheit. Initial interviews of those discovered inside the residence told authorities they had limited access to water.

The 39 individuals inside the stash house comprised men and women from the four countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

All individuals were provided medical assistance. They are being processed for immigration violations.

This is an HSI-led investigation with the assistance of CBP’s Border Patrol and Maverick County Sheriff’s Department.

Members of the public who notice suspicious activity should contact ICE on its toll-free tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or submit a tip at the following website: www.ice.gov/tips.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas, is prosecuting the criminal case.