Laredo Sector Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department halted a human smuggling attempt in west Laredo, Texas on March 23, 2021.
The incident occurred during the evening when agents working with police acted on two separate reports of a possible human smuggling attempt occurring at a residence.
After conducting a welfare check, agents discovered 49 individuals being held against their will in several apartments at the address. An immigration inspection revealed that the individuals are illegally in the U.S. and from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador.
The illegal immigrants were taken into custody for processing by Border Patrol. Also seized were several firearms found at the residence.
All the individuals were medically screened as none were wearing any personal protective equipment.
Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak says,
“The collaborative work done by the officers and agents involved resulted in the apprehension of forty-nine persons, including two unaccompanied minor children, and the seizure of multiple firearms. This case highlights the dangerous nature of stash houses and their proximity and potential danger to neighboring residences and community.”
