26 migrants rescued from abandoned trailer near Texas border

Early Wednesday morning, Maverick County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of banging from an abandoned semi-trailer on the outskirts of Eagle Pass, Texas. Upon investigation, they discovered 26 migrants trapped inside the trailer, struggling for air. The migrants had been transported in small groups by unknown individuals who fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The outside temperature was slightly above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, raising concerns for the migrants' safety. Several individuals were taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and later released to the Border Patrol. The migrants hailed from various countries, including Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and other Central American nations. Sheriff Tom Schmerber indicated that the migrants were likely being prepared for a longer journey to San Antonio, which is approximately 157 miles away. This incident echoes a tragic event from June 2022, where 53 migrants lost their lives in a similar human smuggling operation in San Antonio. In that case, 65 migrants were found in a sweltering trailer, with many succumbing to the heat. Four suspects have since pleaded guilty in connection with that incident, highlighting the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the region. The current situation is under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as authorities work to address the growing concerns surrounding human smuggling and the safety of migrants attempting to enter the United States.