“This is the second smuggling attempt of this nature in as many days,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Austin L. Skero II. “The people hidden in the storage area were unable to move freely, did not have access to seatbelts, and were unable to exit the vehicle on their own accord. It’s easy to imagine many ways in which this smugging attempt could have turned disastrous.”

The Border Patrol agents encountered a tractor trailer attempting to smuggle four illegal aliens through the immigration checkpoint on Highway 57 near Eagle Pass. Agents arrested the driver and rescued the passengers, all Honduran nationals, from the rear cargo area of the tractor trailer. The rear door of the tractor trailer was secured, trapping the passengers inside, with no way to exit or signal for help.

Since Oct. 1, Del Rio Sector agents have interrupted three tractor trailer smuggling attempts consisting of 19 illegal aliens.

All illegal aliens are processed in accordance with CBP guidelines.

The smuggler faces charges of 8 USC 1324, Alien Smuggling, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.