U.S. Trucker Arrested After 66 People Discovered in Big Rig Smuggling Bust

Laredo, TX – A trucker was arrested on Monday after U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents uncovered a large big rig human smuggling operation.

The incident occurred on the evening of June 29, at the Interstate 35 checkpoint.

CBP reports a white tractor hauling a white trailer approached the checkpoint.

Following an immigration inspection of the driver, a non-intrusive scan of the tractor-trailer detected additional individuals being transported inside the trailer.

The driver attempted to exit the checkpoint, but was stopped by agents working the secondary inspection area, CBP said.

Upon searching the trailer, agents discovered 66 individuals who were determined to be in the United States illegally from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Brazil.

All individuals, including the driver, a U.S. citizen, were taken into custody.

The case was turned over to Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation and prosecution.

The tractor and trailer were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

In other recent plots, big rig smugglers used hay bales and secret compartments to conceal their human cargo.