U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents from the Hebbronville Station in Texas rescued nearly two dozen illegal immigrants from freight train cars during an inspection, according to Fox News.
The CBP agents first discovered 12 illegal immigrants hiding in two grain hopper cars, according to a CBP statement. Eleven more individuals were found hiding in freight cars during an inspection of another train just hours later.
#USBP agents from the Hebbronville Station rescued several individuals traveling on freight trains in two separate incidents within hours of each other near Hebbronville, Texas. More INFO, https://t.co/e06MRaYX4T#BorderSecurity @USBPChiefLRT pic.twitter.com/whlsrKWAOg
— CBP South Texas (@CBPSouthTexas) December 14, 2020
Before rescuing the 23 illegal immigrants from the train cars, CBP agents determined the individuals had no way of escaping the trains by themselves because the compartments could only be opened from the outside, Fox News reported.
CBP later determined that the 23 illegal immigrants were trying to cross into U.S. territory from Mexico and Guatemala, according to Fox News. None of the individuals found in the car were wearing PPE equipment, and underwent a medical screening upon being freed from the cars, Fox News reports. (RELATED: Human Smuggling Attempt Stopped By Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies In Texas)
CBP warned the public about the dangers associated with attempting to enter the U.S. illegally by train in a statement. “This dangerous method of illegal entry into the United States by illegal immigrants is strongly discouraged as it often results in serious injury or death,” the CBP statement said.
In November, USBP agents continued to stop human smuggling attempts:
▪️ 44 people hiding in brush: https://t.co/l4kGMnwhE5
▪️ 100+ in 24hrs from houses, trailers, border area: https://t.co/mP9WIoifDv
▪️ Large group in locked & abandoned trailer: https://t.co/0MllDveoxw pic.twitter.com/vXlAC7t9G9— CBP (@CBP) December 14, 2020
Around 150 individuals were found last month trying to enter or were being smuggled into the U.S. illegally, CBP added according to Fox News.