A 52-year-old man has been charged with human smuggling in Texas, accused of transporting 80 undocumented citizens in a tractor trailer.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Aurelio Barajas-Pulido was driving a tractor trailer through the Interstate Highway 35 checkpoint in Laredo, Texas on February 8, when he displayed suspicious behavior.
A K-9 unit alerted authorities to the presence of concealed humans, and upon further inspection, 80 undocumented citizens were found in the trailer, including three unaccompanied minors, one of whom was pregnant.
Barajas-Pulido, a legal permanent resident of North Carolina, is charged with human smuggling. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He could also lose his status to reside in the United States.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.
Barajas-Pulido is expected to appear for his arraignment in the near future before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga.
Related Federal Cases
- Aurelio Barajas-Pulido, Alien Smuggling, Texas 2023 · Texas
- Amalia Gonzalez-Lara, Human Smuggling Conspiracy, Arizona 2024 · Alaska
- Terri Ann Bush Sentenced to 36 Months for Cross-Border Human Smuggl… · Texas
- Feliciano Felipe Diaz-Estrada, Smuggling Illegal Alien, New York 2018 · New York
- Solomon Bogale Deported for Alleged Fano Atrocities, Eloy AZ, 2023 · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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