On February 17, 2024, at around 6:45 p.m., a red tractor-trailer semi-truck arrived at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 (I-35), approximately 25 miles north of Laredo, Texas. A Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the truck, leading agents to discover seven undocumented individuals hidden inside the cab.

The driver, identified as a 43-year-old U.S. citizen, was arrested at 6:47 p.m. and all individuals were taken to the checkpoint’s detention area.

During processing, at 6:52 p.m., agents removed a drawstring from the driver's clothing for safety reasons. The driver requested to call his mother, which was later facilitated under supervision.

At 10:39 p.m., agents found the driver unresponsive in his cell, suspended by his jacket wrapped around his neck. Emergency medical services were immediately summoned, and CPR was initiated. Despite efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at Doctors Hospital of Laredo at 11:52 p.m.

The incident is under investigation by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Webb County Medical Examiner’s Office, CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.