BWC: Texas trooper finds 16 migrants behind false wall in trailer during traffic stop

By Joanna Putman
Police1

KENNEDY COUNTY, Texas — A Houston man faces felony charges of human smuggling after Texas Department of Public Safety troopers discovered 16 migrants hidden behind a false wall in a trailer, Click2Houston reported.

Trending

Off Duty

The mocktail movement: Why going alcohol-free is the new festive trend

For first responders, mocktails offer a way to join in the festivities while staying sharp and ready for any call

November 21, 2024 01:20 PM

 · 

Sarah Calams

Command Staff - Chiefs / Sheriffs

Texas Department of Public Safety taps veteran with 30+ years of service as new leader

Freeman F. Martin will become the first Texas Ranger to lead the agency, replacing longtime leader Steven McCraw who announced his retirement in August

November 21, 2024 11:22 AM

Traffic Enforcement, Highway Patrol

2 Ga. officers injured after semitruck slams into 3 cruisers

“When you look at it, it’s by the grace of God that they’re alive,” East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan said

November 21, 2024 11:08 AM

K-9

Ariz. deputy marshal forced to shoot, kill K-9 partner after being attacked

The K-9 latched onto the Tombstone Marshal’s Office deputy’s leg and would not let go, causing serious injuries to the deputy’s ankle and leg

November 21, 2024 10:21 AM

The incident occurred on Sept. 16 when a DPS trooper conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F-250 towing a cargo trailer. According to DPS, the driver consented to a search of the trailer.

Troopers found a false wall in the trailer and, after using drills to remove it, discovered 16 people “crammed inside a small compartment with no air ventilation,” according to the report. DPS reported that the individuals were in the country illegally.

The department released body camera video of the incident, showing the trooper ushering the migrants out of the trailer.

The driver was arrested and charged with 16 counts of smuggling of persons with the likelihood of substantial bodily injury or death. The migrants were referred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further processing, according to the report.