Human Smuggling Operation Disrupted In Southern Texas, 26 Rescued

Members of the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection organize a group of migrants as hundreds of migrants gather along the border Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Lukeville, Ariz. The U.S

Authorities in southern Texas have successfully disrupted a human smuggling operation, rescuing 26 individuals, with 11 of them currently receiving medical treatment. The operation led to the arrest of 7 suspects involved in the illicit activity.

The rescued individuals were found to have endured harsh conditions during their journey, as stated by Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar during a news conference. The victims were believed to have been transported in a false truck compartment for at least three hours before being taken to a house lacking basic amenities such as air-conditioning and running water.