LAREDO, Texas – State troopers discovered 20 undocumented migrants, including four minors, hidden inside the sleeping compartment of a commercial truck tractor during a traffic stop in South Texas last week, authorities said.
Read more Iran latest: Trump holding Cabinet Wednesday as Iran negotiations continue
20 undocumented migrants found
The driver, 25-year-old Miguel Angel Velazquez Chavez, faces multiple charges following the incident, which occurred on Interstate 35 in Webb County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Miguel Angel Velazquez Chavez, 25 (Source: Texas Department of Public Safety)
A DPS trooper initiated a traffic stop on a white Volvo truck tractor near mile marker 28 just after 6 p.m. on Monday, May 18. Upon stopping, Velazquez Chavez allegedly fled the vehicle on foot but was immediately apprehended by law enforcement.
Read more Cornyn pledges Republican ticket support after bitter loss to Paxton in Senate race
A subsequent search of the truck tractor’s cab revealed 20 people hidden inside the vehicle’s sleeping quarters. Investigators identified the individuals as migrants from Mexico and Guatemala.
Velazquez Chavez, a Mexican national, was arrested and booked into the Webb County Jail. He has been charged with smuggling of persons and evading arrest.
Read more Paxton thanks Cornyn, pounces on Talarico after big Senate win
The 20 migrants were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.