LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents stopped a human smuggling attempt before it began. Among the group of subjects, two wanted criminal undocumented individuals were found.
The incident occurred during the early afternoon of July 8, when agents from the Hebbronville Station responded to suspicious activity where 20 individuals were attempting to conceal themselves inside a shed on a ranch property southwest of Hebbronville, Texas. During interviews, agents discovered that the group had been transported to the location in a white Ford pickup truck that was parked nearby. Among the group were two undocumented minors under the age of 8 traveling with their respective parent. U.S. Border Patrol seized the Ford pickup truck that was used in the failed smuggling attempt.
Also, among the group were two undocumented individuals wanted in the United States for criminal charges. Lionel Gutierrez-Quintanilla, a 20-year-old Salvadoran, is wanted by the Wharton Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear on human smuggling charges. Pedro Noel Tiu-Po, a 34-year-old Guatemalan, is wanted by the Conroe Sheriff’s office for failure to appear on driving while intoxicated charges and probation violation. Both individuals were turned over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office for extradition.
These arrests continue to highlight the dangers that illegal immigration poses to our country. Dangerous criminals such as these endanger our communities by showing a lack of regard for our country’s laws. The agents of the Laredo Sector are committed to their duties of protecting the American people, safeguarding our borders, and enhancing the Nation’s economic prosperity.
Help take a stand against these criminal organizations and potentially dangerous acts by reporting suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” App or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
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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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.