Texas Department of Public Safety officers arrested an 18-wheeler this week transporting 18 illegal immigrants into the United States.
Osvaldo Garza Saavedra, the driver of a tractor trailer, was stopped for a traffic violation on US 77 in Kennedy County, Texas.
Texas Department of Public Safety officials found 18 illegal immigrants inside an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer.
(Texas Department of Public Safety)
An investigation by Texas DPS troopers revealed that Garza Saavedra did not have a driver’s license or proper documentation to operate a commercial vehicle.
TEXAS DPS Says ‘Suspected HUMAN Smuggling Incident’ Leads to High Speed, ‘Dangerous’ Suspect on the Run.
When Texas DPS officials asked if anyone was inside the truck or trailer, Garza Saavedra said no.
Osvaldo Garza Saavedra was arrested on charges of human smuggling and bringing a minor into the United States, according to Texas Department of Public Safety officials.
(Texas Department of Public Safety)
Garza Saavedra gave the trooper consent to search the truck, authorities said, and the trooper noticed a blue tarp covering the trailer.
When the soldier looked under the tarp, inside were 18 illegal immigrants – nine adult males, eight adult females and one minor.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety officials, the 18-wheeler tractor-trailer was carrying 18 illegal immigrants.
(Texas Department of Public Safety)
Garza Saavedra was arrested and charged with human smuggling and trafficking minors. He was taken to the Kleberg County Jail and 18 illegal immigrants were turned over to the US Border Patrol.
“We are committed to enforcing safety standards, and one of our department’s primary missions is to ensure that Texas roadways are safe for all Texans and visitors to our great state,” said DPS Director Stephen McCraw. “The cartels don’t care about the condition of the vehicles they ship to Texas, the tractor trailers, or the lives lost to fentanyl overdoses.
“In terms of security, the department will not discuss operational specifics, but we hope that more frequent security inspections of commercial vehicles will help deter cartel smuggling activities along our southern border and increase the safety of our roads,” he added. she is.