Authorities in Texas found nearly two dozen illegal immigrants trapped inside freight trains over the weekend in an apparent attempt to enter the United States.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a news release on Monday border agents found the illegal immigrants during two separate incidents on Dec. 12 within hours of each other near Hebbronville in Texas.
The first incident happened shortly after midnight while border patrol officials conducted a train inspection and located 12 people “trapped inside two separate grain hopper train cars.”
The release added the immigrants had “no means to escape” and had to be rescued.
#USBP agents from the Hebbronville Station rescued several individuals traveling on freight trains in two separate incidents within hours of each other near Hebbronville, Texas. More INFO, https://t.co/e06MRaYX4T#BorderSecurity @USBPChiefLRT pic.twitter.com/whlsrKWAOg
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) December 14, 2020
The second group of undocumented immigrants were discovered on the same morning while trapped in a similar situation when border patrol inspected another freight train.
During the second operation, 11 people were found inside a grain hopper train car as well. The department said in both cases the immigrants were not protecting themselves by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while traveling in close quarters.
Border agents said they are continuing to warn people who try to enter the United States illegally through these dangerous and hazardous means they are putting themselves in a very dangerous situation.
The department added that despite the ongoing CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, CBP officials will continue their work and keep U.S. borders secure.
“This dangerous method of illegal entry into the United States by illegal immigrants is strongly discouraged as it often results in serious injury or death,” the Laredo Sector Border Patrol said.
Following a medical screening and investigation, officials confirmed the stowaways were traveling illegally from Mexico and Guatemala.
CBP said they will continue providing security at the U.S. borders and prevent the illegal immigration flow, as well as exploitation by human smugglers, and the spread of the CCP virus.