Authorities in Texas discovered 23 undocumented migrants hiding in the rest cab of a truck near the Mexican border, in an operation that reveals the continuation of human smuggling despite the tightening of federal and state immigration policies.
The discovery occurred on Friday, November 28 in La Salle County, north of Laredo, a strategic area for routes used by traffickers due to its proximity to Interstate I-35, one of the busiest routes into the interior of the country.
Migrants Found Hidden in Truck in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported Tuesday, Dec. 2, that the vehicle was stopped as part of Operation Lone Star, the border security program launched in 2021 by Gov. Greg Abbott.
In this operation, state police officers conduct expanded traffic controls to detect activities related to human smuggling, drug trafficking or commercial license violations.
The truck was initially identified because it was driving on the shoulder – or shoulder – of the road, an infraction that prompted the officers to stop it for inspection.
During the check, officers discovered that the driver, Laredo resident John David Amaya, 24, did not have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) required to operate a vehicle of that size and type.
Since 2024, federal authorities have strengthened oversight of compliance with rules for commercial drivers, including the requirement to communicate in English, maintain adequate records and comply with medical evaluations.
These measures seek to prevent accidents and detect irregularities associated with human traffic.
John David Amaya’s behavior and inconsistencies in answering questions led officers to request the assistance of a police dog trained in detection.
This made it possible to locate the 23 migrants hidden in the rest area of the truck’s cabin, a confined space without adequate ventilation.
Migrants from five countries
Among the migrants found were people from Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico, according to DPS.
None had visible injuries, but all were evaluated by medical personnel before being turned over to the Border Patrol for processing.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any of the migrants expressed an intention to apply for asylum or whether they will be transferred to detention centers while their immigration status is being determined.
Severe charges under State law
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Dona y cambia vidas
The driver was arrested and faces 23 counts of human trafficking, a felony under Texas law.
In 2023, Governor Abbott signed a law establishing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison for those convicted of this crime.
That could mean a significant sentence for John David Amaya if the charges are successful.
This operation takes place in the midst of a particularly strict federal immigration policy.
Despite the accelerated deportation campaign and new restrictions implemented by the Trump Administration, irregular crossings and smuggling attempts continue.
Texas remains one of the most active states in human trafficking due to its extensive border and the complexity of territorial controls.
For the U.S. Hispanic community, these cases highlight the extreme risks many migrants face – including traveling hidden in dangerous spaces – and the severity of the legal consequences for those who participate in these operations.
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