9 illegal immigrants found hidden inside tractor-trailer’s cargo

Border Patrol agents arrested two people who tried to smuggle nine undocumented immigrants hidden inside the back of a tractor-trailer Thursday night.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the incident happened at around 8:45 p.m. when a white 2007 Freightliner neared the Highway 86 checkpoint.

During the initial questioning, a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted agents to the rear cargo area of the trailer. The driver was referred to secondary inspection where agents then discovered nine undocumented immigrants inside the trailer.

CBP officials said the people inside the trailer were unsecured with no means of safety. They were locked from the outside making it impossible to get out of the trailer without help.

“This is an example of the blatant disregard for human life and safety to those being smuggled by these smuggling organizations,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “This could have turned into a very bad situation if the vehicle would have gotten in an accident or left unattended for a long period of time.”

Agents arrested the driver, a man who is a legal permanent resident, and a female passenger, who is a U.S. citizen, and the nine undocumented immigrants.