Surveillance on a tractor-trailer led to the discovery of five migrants, according to an arrest affidavit.
Francisco Quiroz-Rodriguez, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged with transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport the migrants.
On Aug. 3, Homeland Security Investigations special agents relayed information to the U.S. Border Patrol regarding a suspicious tractor hauling a white trailer en route to the Interstate 35 checkpoint. Special agents had seen the tractor meeting with two separate vehicles, authorities said.
“In the experience of the agents, this is a common practice used by human smuggling organizations when in the process of illegally transporting undocumented noncitizens north into the interior of the United States,” states the affidavit.
At about 5:50 p.m., a black 2023 Peterbilt tractor with a white trailer displaying an “SBC Transportation” logo approached the truck inspection lane at the checkpoint. Authorities identified the driver as Quiroz-Rodriguez.
He presented his B1/B2 visa to an agent. Quiroz-Rodriguez seemed nervous as he gripped the steering wheel and kept looking at the K-9 unit during the inspection. He then allowed an agent to search the cab of the tractor.
The search yielded five migrants. HSI special agents attempted to interview Quiroz-Rodriguez. However, he invoked his right to an attorney, according to the affidavit.
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