Laredo, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents on August 9 encountered two suspicious trucks inside two ranches believed to be involved in alien smuggling activity.

 As agents attempted to get a closer look of the first vehicle, they observed multiple subjects exiting the vehicle and absconding into the brush.  Agents searched the area and subsequently arrested several illegal aliens.

The second vehicle was later seen exiting a ranch near the access road of Interstate Highway (IH-35) and the agents began to follow.  The driver of the vehicle attempted to evade the agents by travelling south on the access road of IH-35.  The agents successfully deployed a Controlled Tire Deflation Device (CTDD) and successfully stopped the vehicle.  Several occupants exited the vehicle and ran into the brush.  Agents were able to arrest several illegal aliens and the driver. 

A total of 14 illegal aliens were apprehended during the events and were found in good health.  The aliens were identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and were transported to the Laredo North Station for processing.

To report suspicious activity such as alien and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll-free telephone number at 1-800-343-1994.