A group of undocumented individuals were not able to thwart off being apprehended by Laredo Border Patrol agents despite utilizing a tactic they hoped would allow them to avoid detection, according to Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez. The incident occurred when the migrants attempted to conceal their tracks by wearing carpet on the soles of their shoes.
"Laredo West agents were able to track a group of undocumented non-citizens who attempted to conceal their tracks by wearing carpet on the soles of their shoes. A total of 11 subjects were apprehended. #IAmLaredoSector #HonorFirst", said Joel Martinez.
The arrest followed a series of recent activities targeting illegal migration in the area. The news comes on the heels of Laredo Border Patrol stopping two human smuggling attempts involving semi-trailers at the Interstate 35 checkpoint, according to a press release.
Details about one incident have been disclosed. The release stated that on the afternoon of Sept. 27, a commercial vehicle entered the primary inspection lane. During an immigration inspection of the motorist, a service canine notified agents that there could be something in the cab. A secondary inspection of the tractor-trailer revealed six undocumented migrants concealed inside the cab area of the vehicle.
Another episode happened later in that same day. Another human smuggling incident occurred in the evening when agents encountered another commercial tractor in the primary inspection lane, according to the media release. While the motorist was being given an immigration inspection, agents swept the interior of the tractor when they discovered 28 illegal aliens inside the sleeper region.
The situation became more serious when illicit substances were discovered during further inspections. "Further inspection of the tractor revealed a bag containing small pills that tested positive for Fentanyl and a small bag of powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine," the press release stated. "The case is being handled by Homeland Security Investigations."
As a result of these smuggling attempts, actions were taken towards all involved. The two smuggling attempts resulted in the removal and processing of 34 individuals, according to the press release. The undocumented migrants were processed accordingly and hailed from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The motorists were arrested and charged with human smuggling.
