Border Patrol agents in South Texas discovered 55 people hidden inside a produce trailer during a stop near San Ygnacio, Zapata County, Texas, on September 19. According to court documents, the group included three individuals believed to be under 17 years old and nationals from countries such as Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, China, India, Colombia, and Ecuador.
The truck driver was identified as Brandon Lajohn Hargrove of Houston. Agents also found Jose Luis Castellanos-Hercules, a Honduran national in the United States illegally. Both men have been taken into federal custody. Authorities allege that Hargrove picked up the group from a stash house in Mission, Texas—a location already known for smuggling activity.
A search revealed that the migrants were concealed behind a false wall in a compartment that could only be accessed by crawling through a small door. Heavy pallets blocked this exit route. Officials noted this created dangerous conditions for those inside.
“This case highlights the ruthless tactics smugglers use—treating human beings as cargo, with total disregard for their safety,” stated CBP Senior Advisor Ronald D. Vitiello. “Our agents’ vigilance saved 55 people, including alleged minors, from a potentially deadly situation. CBP will continue to dismantle smuggling networks and bring perpetrators to justice. Smugglers need to know that our border is closed, and we will stop you.”
If convicted on all charges related to smuggling illegal aliens into the country and other immigration violations, Hargrove and Castellanos-Hercules face up to ten years in federal prison along with fines reaching $250,000 each. Several individuals found inside the trailer are also facing charges of illegal entry or reentry.
The U.S. Border Patrol led the investigation with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America's largest law enforcement organization responsible for unified border management across land borders and at ports of entry.
