Truck Filled with Illegal Immigrants Pulled Over, Immigrants Speak Out

Updated: Aug 13, 2008 03:30 PM EDT

CORPUS CHRISTI-A Precinct 3 Constable got into a scuffle with a smuggling suspect Wednesday when he pulled over a truck filled with illegal immigrants.

Several people bailed out of the truck bed when it pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store in Driscoll.

The constable tried to grab the driver but he was able to get away after a brief struggle. At least five other people were able to also escape. There were seven other illegal immigrants from locations such as Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala that were arrested and handed over to Border Patrol.

Highway 77 is a well-known smuggling route and similar arrests are very common.

KRIS 6 News visited with the illegal immigrants that were waiting in the parking lot for Border Control and the illegal immigrants explained why they are willing to risk prison to get into the United States.

Though they all came from different countries they all had a similar story. They said they were just looking for a chance to start a new life.

The illegal immigrants said they were hoping the white truck would carry them to a place of "freedom" far from their homes.

Since the constable caught them, they will not have freedom for a long time.

Cesar Eduardo of El Salvador said he wanted to join his family in America and escape the violence in El Salvador.

"Things are bad back home. You make 5 dollars a day, but how can you live on just five dollars? You can't," Eduardo said. "Here, things are different; you can make something of yourself. I was hoping to make a new start and pay back the money I owe."

Another illegal immigrant also from El Salvador, Jose Flores, served two years behind bars for crossing the border illegally in the past.

"It's a never-ending struggle for us to try and make a life for [ourselves] in an honorable way," Flores said. "I wish people's hearts in this country would soften toward us. We just want to better ourselves."

He added that his dreams are worth jail time, and the hours spent under the stifling black tarp on the bed of a truck.

"I consider myself legal. I think we are all legal. I haven't committed any crimes," Flores said. "Sure, go after the smugglers, the bad people who have committed murder, but we're just trying to make an honorable living and give our children a better future."

Border Patrol said the men caught are now in jail. The amount of time they will spend in jail will depend on their criminal history and how many times they've attempted to cross the border.
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