Human TraffickingNews

Driver of tractor trailer carrying multiple noncitizens charged with human smuggling

A Dallas man, arrested Thursday in San Antonio, faces federal criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in smuggling a large group of undocumented noncitizens.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case with the assistance of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD).

Aron Bernard Griffin, 49, was arrested without incident. On Friday, he appeared before a U.S. federal court judge who charged him with smuggling undocumented noncitizens.

According to court documents, several concerned community members called 911 to report multiple individuals inside the back of a tractor trailer Griffin was driving.

The tractor trailer pulled over at a gas station on Interstate Highway 10 East in San Antonio. Forty-one undocumented noncitizens were found at the scene and were detained by HSI special agents. Griffin admitted to agents he had made an agreement with another person to get paid for picking up the individuals in Laredo and transport them to San Antonio.

If convicted, Griffin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daphne Newaz, Western District of Texas, is prosecuting the case.