Man wanted in murder case arrested in Laredo for alleged human smuggling

A man wanted for parole violation in relation to a murder case was transporting more than 30 illegal immigrants, authorities said. A man wanted for parole violation in relation to a murder case was transporting more than 30 illegal immigrants, authorities said. Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy Image 1 of / 135 Caption Close Man wanted in murder case arrested in Laredo for alleged human smuggling 1 / 135 Back to Gallery

A man wanted for parole violation in relation to a murder case was transporting more than 30 illegal immigrants, authorities said.

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Ruben Plata, 62, was arrested and served with the parole violation warrant. As per the human smuggling attempt, Homeland Security Investigations special agents are following up that case.

Laredo police officers responded to a disabled truck report at about 7:30 a.m. by Cuatro Vientos Boulevard and Bluestone Creek Drive in south Laredo. It appeared the truck had a blowout, according to police.

Authorities identified the driver as Plata. He had a warrant out for his arrest for his connection to a murder case that occurred in the early 1980s in Brownsville.

Officials impounded the 18-wheeler to a yard in the 6100 block of Riverside Drive in west Laredo. The vehicle was hauling dirt and gravel.

Moments later, police received a call saying there were people within the 18-wheeler, authorities said. Police then discovered a compartment in the back of the truck where they found 36 people who had crossed the border illegally.

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U.S. Border Patrol took custody of the immigrants. The case remains under investigation.