C.B.P. News Release

Border Patrol Agents Rescue 33 Undocumented Migrants,
Seize 800 Pounds of Marijuana in 3 Separate Cases

(Friday, July 17, 2009)

Laredo, Texas – On July 16, Border Patrol agents had a busy day with rescue efforts and narcotic seizures as the driving forces.

Agents manning the Interstate 35 checkpoint performed an immigration inspection of the driver of a tractor-trailer. During the inspection, a Border Patrol canine team detected the possible presence of hidden people or contraband in the trailer. Agents searched the trailer and discovered a total of 32 undocumented migrants from El Salvador, Brazil, and Mexico locked inside. The driver of the tractor trailer was arrested for human smuggling charges and $12,500 was seized.

The undocumented migrants locked within the trailer declined medical attention. The driver of the tractor-trailer was turned over to ICE for prosecution and all undocumented migrants will be processed for prosecution and / or removal.

On the same day, agents assigned to the Laredo West Station rescued a stranded undocumented migrant who had become lost in a ranch in the Laredo area after illegally entering into the United States. The rescue effort was initiated when Border Patrol received a cell phone call from the stranded undocumented migrant stating that he had blisters on his feet and was no longer able to walk.

Border Patrol agents certified as Emergency Medical Technicians were dispatched and able locate the migrant to provide treatment at his location. The undocumented migrant will be processed for prosecution and / or removal.

In moving from rescues to intercepting narcotics, agents assigned to the Laredo North Station made a large Marijuana seizure at the immigration checkpoint located on Interstate 35 north of Laredo. As they performed an immigration inspection on the driver of a tractor-trailer, a Border Patrol canine team detected the possible presence of hidden contraband or people.

Agents searched the trailer and found 31 cellophane-wrapped bundles. The bundles contained marijuana with a total weight of 842.7 pounds.

The marijuana, vehicles and subject involved in the narcotics case were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

To report suspicious activity such as drug and/or alien smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release
Laredo Sector
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (956) 764-3041 Ext: 3243

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