A man had two migrants hidden inside a compartment under the bed of his tractor-trailer, according to an arrest affidavit.
At about 6:40 p.m. Oct. 16, a blue Freightliner tractor-trailer arrived at the commercial inspection lane of the Interstate 35 checkpoint.
Authorities identified the driver as David Recio. He stated he was traveling alone. He then allowed agents to search his cabin.
An agent asked Recio if there was a compartment underneath the bed. Recio replied there was. The agent asked Recio to open the compartment.
When Recio lifted the bed, the agent saw two people hiding inside the compartment, according to court documents.
Recio was escorted inside the checkpoint. As he walked toward the checkpoint, he stated, “Hey ma’am, ask them who put them in there because I didn’t. I just got released a month ago for the same thing,” states the affidavit.
In a post-arrest interview, Recio admitted being involved in human smuggling before for money. He confirmed to be in frequent contact with people who smuggle migrants through the checkpoint, authorities said.
Recio then mentioned that he did not plan to smuggle that day, authorities said.
Recio added he was instructed to drive the tractor through the checkpoint toward San Antonio. He mentioned he had no knowledge of the migrants in his tractor, according to court documents.
Recio was charged with transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport the migrants.
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