Agents Nab Immigrants Hiding in Trailer
Posted: Jun 3, 2013 7:55 PM
Updated: Jun 3, 2013 8:18 PM
ALAMO - Border Patrol agents arrested an alleged human smuggler before he was able to leave the area with 21 illegal immigrants hidden in a trailer.
Border Patrol agents said the delivery truck was at a strip mall off Expressway 83 in Alamo.
"We were able to stop him before he got onto the highway, before he made it to Falfurrias," Border Patrol Spokesman Henry Mendiola said.
Mendiola said a tip from someone in the strip mall alerted them to the immigrants in the trailer.
People who work at the strip mall said they were shocked to see the smuggling attempt unfolding before them.
"I thought it was very weird. I was freaked out when I saw the Border Patrol and the people coming down from the trailer," Gaby Martinez said.
Mendiola said it's not rare to see smugglers operating in plain view.
"We were seeing stash houses in rural areas, then in the cities, then hotel rooms. Most recently groups have been found in empty lots and orchards. They are changing up their tactics," Mendiola said.
One woman said she was shocked to see people being transported like merchandise.
"I feel sad, because I don't know if they were kidnapped or coming from another country looking for a better life," Paulina Davila said.
Mendiola said the smuggling attempt is just another example of an increase in human smuggling in the region.
Border Patrol agents said the delivery truck was at a strip mall off Expressway 83 in Alamo.
"We were able to stop him before he got onto the highway, before he made it to Falfurrias," Border Patrol Spokesman Henry Mendiola said.
Mendiola said a tip from someone in the strip mall alerted them to the immigrants in the trailer.
People who work at the strip mall said they were shocked to see the smuggling attempt unfolding before them.
"I thought it was very weird. I was freaked out when I saw the Border Patrol and the people coming down from the trailer," Gaby Martinez said.
Mendiola said it's not rare to see smugglers operating in plain view.
"We were seeing stash houses in rural areas, then in the cities, then hotel rooms. Most recently groups have been found in empty lots and orchards. They are changing up their tactics," Mendiola said.
One woman said she was shocked to see people being transported like merchandise.
"I feel sad, because I don't know if they were kidnapped or coming from another country looking for a better life," Paulina Davila said.
Mendiola said the smuggling attempt is just another example of an increase in human smuggling in the region.
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