Laredo, Texas Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Laredo North station rescued 38 illegal aliens from a smuggling attempt Sunday.

Agents working at the checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo conducted a routine immigration inspection of the driver of a tractor trailer that drove into the facility. While agents interviewed the driver a Border Patrol canine alerted agents toward the cab and the trailer, indicating the presence of hidden contraband or people.

Agents examined the cab and found one adult female hiding under a blanket in the sleeper. Agents opened the trailer and discovered 37 more people hiding inside. The group included 23 adult males, nine adult females and five juveniles. All 38 of the people were identified as illegal aliens. None of them required or requested medical attention. The driver was identified as a U.S. citizen.

The driver and the aliens were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A small duffel bag containing $16,200 in cash that was found in the cab of the truck was also seized.

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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