A Laredo man, Juan Manuel Aguirre, was indicted for smuggling 101 people inside a locked tractor trailer, federal authorities announced.
The details: The charges relate to an incident on December 2, 2024, where law enforcement observed individuals being loaded into a white trailer at a warehouse parking lot near Laredo, Texas.
- The trailer, carrying 101 individuals including 12 children, was stopped by authorities after it left the location.
- Conditions inside were dire, with some individuals reporting difficulty breathing.
The charges: Aguirre faces a three-count indictment involving conspiracy and transportation of undocumented aliens for financial gain. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison for each count and a fine of up to $250,000.
Law enforcement: The investigation was overseen by multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, and Border Patrol, reported a Justice Department press release.
The case underscores ongoing challenges in border areas amidst heightened scrutiny on human trafficking.