A routine traffic stop has uncovered 27 “distressed” migrants who were “sweating profusely” while being smuggled in a horse trailer, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Officials posted a video on X showing a DPS trooper stopping a Ford-250 towing a horse trailer on US-281 in Hidalgo County, Texas, on Friday.
27 illegal immigrants are being smuggled in a horse trailer on US-281 in Hidalgo County, according to reports. Texas DPS
The horse trailer was pulled over during a routine traffic stop. Texas DPSThe footage shows an officer approaching the truck driver, Jose Guadalupe Salinas, and asking what is inside the trailer.
“Two horses,” he responds.
Officers then ask to see the horses. Salinas agrees to open the trailer, but warns the animals “are aggressive” before opening the door.
A group of people – and no horses – can be seen crammed inside, the clip shows.
During the search, troopers discovered 27 people crammed inside a storage area of the trailer, “distressed and sweating profusely.” Texas DPS
Texas troopers identified Jose Guadalupe Salinas as the driver who allegedly transported illegal immigrants in Texas, according to reports. Texas DPSThe migrants were “distressed and sweating profusely” and three individuals “were severely dehydrated and required medical attention due to extreme heat and no ventilation,” according to a DPS spokesperson.
Salinas is immediately placed in handcuffs and the trooper is seen and heard asking the migrants if they need water.
Troopers referred the individuals from Mexico to the U.S. Border Patrol, Fox News reports.
USBP took custody of Salinas, and will be filing federal charges for the smuggling of persons
