U.S. Border Patrol agents intercepted a human smuggling attempt and recovered a stolen vehicle on Farm to Market Road (FM) 649 near Hebbronville, Texas, east of Laredo.

The incident occurred on the evening of May 14, when agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station (HEB) attempted a vehicle stop on a black pickup truck traveling on FM 649. When the vehicle stopped, several individuals bailed from the pickup truck in an attempt to abscond on foot. The agents were able to detain the driver, a U.S. citizen, and 10 other individuals who were determined to be in the United States illegally from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala.

The vehicle was determined to have been stolen. Both the driver and the vehicle were turned over to Webb County Constables. The 10 individuals illegally in the United States were transported to the HEB Station pending further investigation.

Despite the ongoing international COVID-19 pandemic, immigrant smugglers endanger the lives of individuals they transport and put at risk the health and safety of our Nation. U.S. Border Patrol agents remain vigilant as they strive to prevent the flow of illegal immigration and slow the spread of COVID-19.

To report suspicious activity such as immigrant and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.