WASHINGTON D.C. (KGTV) -- Several US citizens were arrested after US Customs and Border Protection says they tried to smuggle dozens of people into the US.
In total, the agency says nine people were arrested throughout south Texas for trying to smuggle 64 people into the US.
Border Patrol agents arrested a woman for trying to smuggle 10 people through a checkpoint on June 30. The immigrants were discovered hidden and locked inside a truck.
The same day, two women were arrested for smuggling seven people through the same checkpoint. Three hours later, two men were arrested for trying to smuggle 21 people hidden inside a box truck.
On July 1, two people were arrested for trying to smuggle 14 people through a Border Patrol checkpoint. Later the same day, two more people were arrested for trying to smuggle 12 people who were locked inside the trailer compartment of an 18-wheeler.
All the arrests happened in Falfurrias, Texas and along Interstate 35.
The agency says, over the last two months, agents have thwarted 42 smuggling attempts involving tractor trailers, rescuing a total of 406 people.
“In addition to securing and protecting our nation's borders, frontline Border Patrol agents are committed to reducing heat-related injuries and preventing deaths along our borders," stated U.S. Border Patrol Acting Chief Carla L. Provost. “These rescues are a result of stepped-up enforcement at our immigration checkpoints coupled with our search and rescue efforts that are key to preventing unnecessary loss of life.”
