Migrants Found Packed into Pickup Truck Toolboxes

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered several illegal immigrants packed into the toolboxes of two pickup trucks in separate incidents. The smugglers placed the migrants in grave danger–including the risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.

Agents assigned to the Interstate 35 checkpoint in South Texas on October 22 observed a white pickup truck approaching the primary inspection lane. A Border Patrol K-9 agent alerted to the possible presence of drugs or human cargo in the back of the truck. The agents referred the driver to a secondary inspection station for additional investigation, according to Laredo Sector Border Patrol officials.

The agents carried out a search of the truck and discovered a migrant locked in the truck’s toolbox. Agents determined the migrant to be in the United States without authorization. They arrested the driver and the migrant.

A short time later, a K-9 agent alerted to the possible presence of drugs or human cargo in another vehicle. The Border Patrol agents referred the driver to a secondary inspection station. However, the driver failed to stop and fled the immigration checkpoint. Agents pursued the vehicle for a few miles before the driver finally stopped, officials stated.

A search of the truck uncovered three people locked in a toolbox located in the rear of the vehicle. The agents removed the people and conducted an immigration interview that revealed that all three people were illegal immigrants. The agents arrested the driver for possible human smuggling charges. The three migrants were processed for immigration violations.

Agents seized the vehicles under asset forfeiture laws.