Combined Effort by Law Enforcement Agencies Closes Stash House
Combined Effort by Law Enforcement Agencies Closes Stash House
Release Date: October 6, 2020
LAREDO, TEXAS – A combined effort by U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Webb County Constables Office (WCCO) precinct 2, closed a stash house in south Laredo.
The incident began on the early evening of October 1, as agents and deputies conducted surveillance on a residence on Saltillo Street suspected as the site of illicit activity.
Following a traffic stop of a vehicle that was observed leaving the house, a search warrant was obtained to search the residence. The warrant was executed on the morning of October 2 and resulted in the discovery of 22 individuals illegally in the United States who were being harbored in the home. They were determined to be from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala.
None of them were wearing personal protective equipment. They were taken into custody by the U.S. Border Patrol. Investigation was turned over to Special Agents of HSI who criminally charged a U.S. citizen for his role in the harboring case.
Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak stated, “A stash house like this, situated within a residential neighborhood, presents a significant criminal and COVID-19 threat to the surrounding residents. Our agents and our law enforcement partners are continuing to work together to aggressively identify and intercept these stash houses and prosecute those involved in human smuggling.”
Agents of the Laredo Sector are dedicated to the U.S. Border Patrol’s mission of protecting the American people, safeguarding our borders, and enhancing the Nation’s economic prosperity.
To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994. If you see something, please say something. You can also follow us on our social media platforms on Twitter and Instagram @usbpchieflrt and @usbpdepchieflrt and on Facebook at US Border Patrol Laredo Sector.
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-m...es-stash-house
