Mississippi driver arrested in Texas after 17 illegals found hidden inside truck

Published 3:25 pm Friday, August 30, 2024

A Mississippi driver has been arrested in Texas on charges of human smuggling after authorities discovered 17 illegal immigrants hidden inside a truck.

The arrest was announced on Thursday by Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety, who shared the details on social media. The driver was reportedly found operating a “cloned” Lowe’s work truck in Kinney County, a tactic often used to avoid detection.

According to Lt. Olivarez, the 17 immigrants, consisting of 13 men and 4 women, were concealed in a hidden compartment within the truck. Authorities reported that several of the individuals were suffering from severe dehydration and numbness in their legs due to being crammed into a space only three feet wide. The individuals were drenched in sweat and in need of medical treatment, which was promptly provided.

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The driver, whose name has not been released, is facing charges of human smuggling causing serious bodily injury. The investigation is ongoing.