LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 83 discovered a human smuggling attempt in which people were being concealed in furniture and appliances north of Laredo.
The incident occurred on the evening of November 19, when a Suburban towing a utility trailer loaded with furniture and appliances approached the checkpoint. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection following an alert from a service canine. Upon examining the items on the trailer, agents discovered 13 individuals hidden among the varied furniture items, mattresses, and home appliances. They were immediately medically screened. None were wearing personal protective equipment. They were determined to be Mexican nationals illegally in the United States. They were placed under arrest along with the U.S. citizen driver pending further investigation. The vehicle and trailer were seized by Border Patrol.
