United States - August 27, 2024

In a routine traffic stop that turned into a significant bust, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper apprehended a truck driver from Fort Worth for smuggling six undocumented immigrants from Mexico. The incident occurred on Interstate 35 in La Salle County on the morning of August 27th.

The trooper initiated a stop for a standard commercial vehicle safety inspection, a common practice to ensure compliance with safety regulations. However, upon closer inspection of the truck's sleeper area, the officer discovered the hidden passengers, all of whom were Mexican nationals attempting to evade border controls.

The driver, whose identity has not been fully disclosed by authorities, faces serious legal repercussions. He was immediately arrested and charged with six counts of smuggling of persons, a felony that carries severe penalties under Texas law.

Following the arrest, all six immigrants were handed over to U.S. Border Patrol agents for further processing and immigration proceedings. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating human smuggling along major transportation routes near the U.S.-Mexico border.