Illegal aliens hidden behind mattresses in box truck leads to human smuggling charges for driver
A Texas woman named Silvia Patricia Santamaria was arrested by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers on Wednesday after they discovered 25 illegal immigrants hidden in the back of a box truck she was driving. The immigrants were found squeezed behind mattresses and inside a crawlspace within the truck.
Santamaria, a 43-year-old resident of Houston, was charged with 25 counts of human smuggling and was taken into custody at the Live Oak County Jail. The discovery was made after a concerned citizen alerted a DPS trooper at a truck stop along Interstate 37 in George West, Texas, about a minor crash in the parking lot.
When the trooper approached Santamaria, who was driving a white 2005 International box truck, she claimed to be transporting mattresses from Alton, Texas to Houston. However, inconsistencies in her story prompted the trooper to request a search of the vehicle. With assistance from the George West Police Department, the trooper uncovered the group of illegal immigrants hidden behind the mattresses and in a crawl space inside the truck’s wall.
The group consisted of 12 males, 12 females, and an 11-year-old child from various countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, India, Cuba, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. The immigrants were provided with medical evaluations before being turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by illegal immigrants who are often subjected to inhumane conditions during their journey. In a similar tragedy in 2022, 51 immigrants were found dead inside an abandoned tractor trailer in San Antonio. Authorities believe the truck was abandoned due to mechanical issues, and the discovery was made after a city worker heard cries coming from inside the trailer.
Cases like these highlight the need for stronger border security measures to prevent human smuggling and protect the lives of vulnerable migrants. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and crack down on individuals involved in these illicit activities to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. For story tips and ideas, you can reach out to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or connect with him on Twitter @GregWehner.
