by Laredo, Texas — State and federal authorities say an alleged human smuggling operation was uncovered inside a residential home in South Texas this week, after 17 people unlawfully present in the United States were discovered during a coordinated law enforcement operation.
Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Laredo Border Patrol said the operation took place on Tuesday, December 17, at a home in Laredo. The discovery marks the latest in a series of recent smuggling cases reported in the border city.
17 individuals found during joint operation
According to authorities, officers executed an operation at the residence and located 17 undocumented individuals inside the home. Law enforcement did not disclose how long the individuals had been there or the conditions inside the residence at the time of the discovery.
One person described by officials as a “suspected caretaker” was taken into custody at the scene and charged with human smuggling. No additional suspects were immediately identified.
Authorities did not release the identities, ages, or countries of origin of the individuals found inside the home.
Photo shows migrants inside residence
Laredo Border Patrol shared an image from inside the home on social media following the operation. The photo shows 10 individuals seated on a kitchen floor, with most faces obscured.
In the post, Border Patrol described the operation as a success, writing simply:
“Operation Success!”
Officials did not say whether the remaining individuals were found in other rooms or areas of the home.
Second smuggling case reported in Laredo this month
The discovery comes just days after another alleged smuggling operation was uncovered in the same city.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents arrested two U.S. citizens on December 8 after allegedly smuggling four undocumented individuals into their Laredo residence.
Authorities said the four migrants included two Guatemalan nationals, one Mexican national, and one Honduran national. All were taken into custody and are pending deportation proceedings.
The two American citizens, whose names were not released, are now facing federal alien smuggling charges, officials said.
Read Also: Broward County Public Schools Approves 2026–27 and 2027–28 School Calendars
In a statement posted on social media, CBP warned:
“Illegal entry leads to deportation. Don’t risk it.”
Laredo remains active border enforcement zone
Data released by Customs and Border Protection shows that Laredo continues to be a significant focal point for border enforcement activity.
According to CBP figures:
- Laredo recorded approximately 4,400 land border encounters during the 2025 fiscal year
- The entire Southwest Texas region saw 103,124 encounters during the same period
Officials say those numbers highlight ongoing challenges faced by border communities and law enforcement agencies working to combat smuggling networks.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected in the December 17 case. Investigators are working to determine whether the residence was part of a larger smuggling operation or connected to other recent cases in the area.
The individuals found inside the home were taken into federal custody, where they will undergo immigration processing.
Officials say the investigation remains active and additional information may be released as charges move forward.
What impact do repeated smuggling cases have on border communities like Laredo? Share your thoughts in the comments.
