Texas, United States
Border Patrol agents thwarted a peculiar attempted smuggling of people in which traffickers attempted to pass their human cargo in an ice cream truck, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported on Friday.
The incident, which the federal agency described as “unique,” occurred on the evening of Feb. 24 when officers assigned to Laredo South Station observed a group of individuals entering several vehicles. , including a ice cream truck, CBP stated in a newsletter.
“Officers requested assistance from the Laredo Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, and together they managed to detain 17 individuals in connection with the truck. All people found inside, including the driver and co-driver, both U.S. citizens, were arrested, “the text reads.
He adds that people who were in the United States irregularly, from Guatemala and Mexico, were taken into custody while further investigations are conducted.
the CBP he stressed that none of the detainees wore personal protective equipment, which was provided to them, and that all were subjected to medical evaluation for their safety.
“This is another example of the lack of consideration of human traffickers towards those they exploit for profit, and the lack of respect for the communities in which they live,” the agency noted.
He added that he will continue to work with local forces to prevent attempts at human trafficking “and bring those responsible to justice.” EFE News