At least 80 illegal immigrants were found inside a tractor-trailer stopped in Texas near the border with Mexico late Tuesday, May 22, officials told CBS.
The vehicle was driving north through southern Texas less than 50 miles from the Mexican border when it was stopped.
Police and emergency officials who responded to the scene reported that many of the illegal immigrants were dehydrated, though there were no reports of death or injuries.
The vehicle was stopped by the Texas Highway Patrol over a traffic violation, reported KFDM. It was pulled over along Highway 77 near Raymondville.
While initial reports said that around 50 illegal immigrants were inside the tractor-trailer, CBS 4 said that the final number counted was 88, not including the driver and a passenger.
BREAKING OVERNIGHT: Tractor trailer with as many as 88 illegal immigrants found off of Highway 77N in Raymondville. Two immigrants were treated at the hospital. The driver and passenger are in custody @News4SA @KABBFOX29 pic.twitter.com/FHLMketCbP
— Kristina De Leon (@KristinaDeLeon) May 23, 2018
BREAKING UPDATE: @TxDPS official says illegal immigrants tried escaping by climbing on top of tractor trailer after they were stopped. We’re told consent to search truck was given during traffic stop along Highway 77 North near FM 3168 @News4SA @KABBFOX29 pic.twitter.com/CTErNQNNQd
— Kristina De Leon (@KristinaDeLeon) May 23, 2018
Border patrol agents and police officers regularly find tractor-trailers full of illegal immigrants near the border of Mexico. Just one month ago, a tractor-trailer with 59 illegal immigrants was stopped at a checkpoint in Laredo, Texas, reported Fox News. Another eight immigrants without paperwork were discovered in a tractor-trailer in Devine on May 21, reported KSAT.
Last year, 10 illegal immigrants died in a tractor-trailer that was parked at a Walmart in San Antonio.
The trailer was packed with around 100 illegal immigrants, officials said. The driver of the tractor-trailer was later sentenced to life without parole after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in death and one count of transporting aliens resulting in death, reported CNN.
“Smuggling illegal aliens into this country disregards both our laws and their safety,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said at the time.
“This tragic case is yet another reminder that Congress must end the incentives that encourage illegal immigration and alien smuggling in the first place.”
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