Human TraffickingNews

US CBP Agents Intercept Tractor Trailer Smuggling Scheme

United States Border Patrol Canine Detection teams conducting traffic operations at the Interstate 10 Immigration Checkpoint interdicted a tractor-trailer smuggling scheme.

On October 23, 2021, Border Patrol Canine Detection teams working the Sierra Blanca Checkpoint on IH-10 encountered a tractor trailer in the primary inspection lane. A  K-9 alerted to the trailer; agents then directed the vehicle to the secondary inspection lane. In the secondary inspection area, agents opened the trailer doors to discover a total of 31 undocumented migrants, from Guatemala and Mexico, were concealed among crushed aluminum.

“The vigilance and teamwork displayed by agents and their K-9 partners saved multiple individuals from a potentially dangerous situation.” Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin stated. “Transnational criminal organizations continue to expose undocumented migrants to unsafe conditions with little to no regard for their well-being.”

The driver and three occupants from the tractor trailer, were turned over to Hudspeth County Sheriff’s Office for prosecution. All undocumented migrants were medically evaluated and processed accordingly.