EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A total of 37 undocumented migrants were apprehended on Sunday, Dec. 15, as they were found hidden inside a tractor-trailer during a routine inspection at the Interstate 25 checkpoint, U.S. Border Patrol said in a news release.
U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended 37 undocumented migrants discovered in back of a tractor-trailer at I-25 checkpoint near Las Cruces, N.M. on Dec. 14. (Credit: U.S. Border Patrol)
During the inspection, agents reported hearing movement near the rear door of the trailer and observed individuals attempting to crouch behind freight, Border Patrol said.
Border Patrol said further investigation revealed 37 migrants hiding inside the cargo trailer without proper documentation.
The migrants, who were from various countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, and Ecuador, were taken into custody and transported to the Central Processing Center for further processing under Title 8 authority, Border Patrol said.
Border Patrol said that during Fiscal Year 2024, El Paso Sector agents disrupted 24 tractor-trailer smuggling events with 387 migrants found.
So far in Fiscal Year 2025, El Paso Sector agents have disrupted four tractor-trailer smuggling operations, resulting in the apprehension of 97 undocumented migrants, Border Patrol said.
“The El Paso Sector Border Patrol regularly encounters smuggling tactics used by transnational criminal organizations, including concealing migrants in commercial vehicles,” read the news release.” “Smuggling large groups in tractor-trailers poses extreme dangers due to the lack of proper safety measures. Individuals are often crammed into confined spaces without seat belts, adequate ventilation, or climate control — leading to dangerously high temperatures in the summer and freezing conditions in the winter.”
“Smuggling organizations exploit migrants with false promises of safe passage and easy entry, but illegal entry into the United States often involves tactics that not only violate U.S. immigration laws but also endanger lives,” El Paso Sector Chief Anthony Scott Good said. “We remain focused on enforcing immigration laws, holding smugglers accountable, and applying consequences to those who cross the border illegally or attempt to circumvent the legal immigration process.”
Acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Jason T. Stevens commented on the incident saying the following:
“This is a stark reminder of how ruthless smugglers exploit the desperation of foreign nationals pursuing the American dream,” Stevens said. “We are committed to working closely with the Border Patrol on this case and focusing on dismantling transnational criminal organizations that prioritize greed over human life. Together, we aim to create a safer environment and protect those in need.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
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