Authorities in southern Texas have charged seven individuals after nearly two dozen migrants were found in a secret trailer compartment under dangerous conditions. The incident occurred near San Antonio, where Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputies discovered 26 migrants in a makeshift residence described as a 'shack' with inadequate living conditions.
Sheriff Javier Salazar revealed that the migrants had been smuggled into the area from the border city of Laredo, approximately 160 miles away. The individuals had been confined in the trailer's hidden compartment for three hours amidst scorching temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with forecasts predicting temperatures over 100 degrees.
The seven men, aged between 21 and 45, were arrested on state felony charges related to human smuggling, organized criminal activity, operating a stash house, and evading arrest. Following the discovery, twelve migrants were initially hospitalized for minor injuries and heat-related ailments. As of Friday, one individual remained hospitalized due to dehydration and cardiac issues.
The migrants hailed from Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, and Guatemala, with ages ranging from 18 to 54, including six women. This incident in San Antonio comes in the wake of a tragic human smuggling case in June 2022, where 53 migrants, including eight children, perished after being trapped in a sweltering semi-trailer that had traveled from Laredo.
The previous incident resulted in the deaths of 48 migrants at the scene, with five more succumbing to their injuries at hospitals. The recent charges highlight the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by migrants seeking to enter the United States through illicit means, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.
