LAREDO, TEXAS – A combined law enforcement action between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) results in the dismantling of a stash house in Rio Bravo, Texas.
The incident occurred during the late afternoon of November 30, when agents from the Laredo South Station responded to a request for assistance from the WCSO regarding a report of suspicious activity at a home on Margarita Lane located in Rio Bravo, Texas. WCSO obtained consent to search the residence. Agents conducted a search of the property and apprehended 19 individuals hiding behind a plywood board near a storage shed. None were wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or face coverings when found.
All 19 individuals were determined to be illegally in the United States from the country of Guatemala. They were taken into custody by the U.S. Border Patrol. Also taken into custody were two Mexican Nationals and one United States citizen who were suspected of being involved in this smuggling attempt.
Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak stated, “Communities are safer and the residents benefit when law enforcement agencies work together. I am proud of our strong working relationship with the Webb County Sheriff’s Department and how this partnership helps protect Webb County.”
Human smugglers have no regard to the dangers involved with housing a large group of individuals in close quarters without PPE, increasing the potential of COVID-19 infection. This practice not only endangers the people being smuggled, but the safety of our communities and our nation. Working with our local law enforcement partners to locate these stash houses and bring to justice those responsible, agents strive to uphold the agency’s Core Values of Vigilance, Service, and Integrity.
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.
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