United States - August 16, 2024

On August 16, 2024, a routine traffic stop in Maverick County led to the discovery of three illegal immigrants concealed in the trunk of a Cadillac. The incident unfolded when a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper, in collaboration with a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper, pulled over the vehicle for a traffic violation.

During the stop, the trooper sought and obtained consent to search the vehicle. It was at this point that the driver, identified as Damion Lewis from Tyler, Texas, voluntarily disclosed that he was transporting individuals hidden in the trunk. Upon inspection, the troopers found three Mexican nationals, confirming Lewis's admission.

Damion Lewis was immediately taken into custody and charged with smuggling of persons, a serious offense that carries significant legal repercussions. The three individuals found in the trunk were handed over to the U.S. Border Patrol for further processing and immigration proceedings.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of human smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border, where Maverick County, situated near the border, often sees such activities. The cooperation between state law enforcement and federal agencies like the Border Patrol is crucial in addressing these smuggling operations.

The arrest of Lewis serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers associated with human smuggling, not only for the smuggler but also for the individuals being transported, who are often subjected to perilous conditions. The cramped and hidden conditions in which the immigrants were found underscore the inhumane nature of such smuggling operations.