LAREDO, TEXAS – Border Patrol agents thwarted a large human smuggling attempt north of Laredo.

The incident occurred late in the evening hours of March 30, when a blue tractor hauling a white trailer approached the I-35 checkpoint. During an immigration inspection of the driver, a Service canine alerted to the rear of the trailer. The driver failed to stop at for secondary inspection and exited the checkpoint area. Agents were able to stop the tractor trailer just north of the I-35 checkpoint.

Agents opened the trailer and discovered 40 individuals including one juvenile, all illegally present in the United States from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The individuals and the driver, a U.S. Citizen, were taken into custody pending investigation.

The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.

Despite the threat of the COVID 19 pandemic, Border Patrol agents will continue to prevent the flow of illegal immigration and exploitation by human smugglers.