Texas State Troopers discovered 17 illegal immigrants hidden inside a trailer towed behind a vehicle thought to have been used in criminal activity.

The incident unfolded as part of Operation Lone Star (OLS) when investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified a white Ford F-350 pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer believed to have been used in criminal activity.

Assisted by a DPS Trooper, the agents went to search the trailer and initiated a traffic stop in Webb County on 6th September.

While searching, they found the immigrants hidden inside a box container beneath the flatbed, lacking proper ventilation.

Among the group were 14 males, two females, and one juvenile, hailing from Mexico and Guatemala. They were promptly referred to the US Border Patrol for further legal proceedings.

The driver, 34-year-old Alfredo Alvarez Jr., now faces charges of smuggling of persons and has been transported to the Webb County Jail.