On November 19, 2020 over a dozen undocumented immigrants were discovered in a human smuggling attempt in which people were being concealed in furniture and appliances in Laredo, Texas at a checkpoint.
A SUV towing a utility trailer loaded with furniture and appliances approached the checkpoint. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection by U.S. Border Patrol agents 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.
