Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – A 25-year-old Houston resident has been charged with smuggling more than three dozen people in truck discovered near Hebbronville with no means of escape.
At primary inspection, a K-9 alerted to presence of humans or narcotics in the cargo area of the box truck, according to the charges. A subsequent x-ray scan allegedly revealed what appeared to be humans standing next to each other in the storage area of the box truck.
The investigation revealed a false wall in the storage area of the truck towards the front of the cargo area that had created a hidden compartment, according to the complaint. The charges allege it had multiple boards screwed shut to prevent the individuals from being able to get out on their own. Authorities allegedly had to remove the screws sealing the hidden compartment, at which time they discovered 40 people behind the false wall.
Law enforcement was able to determine that 26 of them had allegedly been previously removed from the United States. They now face charges of illegal reentry into the United States and possible prison terms of up to 20 years.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) San Antonio conducted the investigation with the substantial assistance of Border Patrol and ICE-HSI Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory Sailer is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
A complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Updated August 18, 2025
