A routine traffic stop on a Texas highway led to the discovery of nearly two dozen illegal migrants concealed inside a commercial truck’s sleeping compartment, according to state authorities.
John David Amaya, 24, was driving along Interstate 35 in La Salle County on Nov. 28 when a state trooper noticed his vehicle traveling on the shoulder.
The initial stop for the minor traffic violation quickly escalated when the trooper discovered Amaya lacked a commercial driver license.
After requesting permission to search the vehicle, the trooper encountered resistance from Amaya, who questioned whether the search was required and attempted to contact his lawyer.
The driver insisted there was no justification for examining his truck.
The trooper informed Amaya that a K9 unit would be deployed to inspect the vehicle.
If the dog indicated the presence of contraband, officers would have probable cause to conduct a thorough search.
Backup units arrived at the scene shortly thereafter.
A trained police dog was walked around the perimeter of the truck until an officer announced the animal had alerted to something suspicious.
Amaya was immediately detained.
Officers proceeded to search the commercial vehicle, unzipping the compartment leading to the sleeping area.
Inside, they found 23 individuals packed together in the confined space, including several children.
The migrants discovered in the truck hailed from five different countries: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.
Following their discovery, all 23 individuals were transferred to Border Patrol custody.
Amaya now faces 23 counts of smuggling of persons, with some charges specifically involving minors. Additionally, he has been charged with possession of a controlled substance under one gram, according to reports from the Laredo Morning Times.
The truck driver remained in custody Monday evening, held on bonds totaling more than $100,000.
His case falls under a 2023 law enacted by Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) that significantly increased penalties for human smuggling operations.
Under the legislation signed by Abbott, individuals convicted of smuggling people in Texas face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
This law represents the state’s hardline approach to combating illegal immigration and human trafficking networks.
The arrest occurred as part of Operation Lone Star, a joint initiative between the Texas Military Department and the Department of Public Safety designed to intercept migrants crossing the border illegally.
The operation has been a centerpiece of Texas’s response to immigration challenges.
Texas has served as ground zero for the border crisis, with 3.8 million migrants crossing into the state between January 2021, when former President Joe Biden assumed office, and September 2023.
The influx placed enormous strain on state resources and local communities.
In response to the overwhelming numbers, Abbott initiated a controversial program to transport migrants from Texas to self-proclaimed sanctuary cities in other parts of the country.
Between April 2022 and October 2023, Texas spent millions on this operation, with each migrant transportation costing approximately $1,650 per person, according to an Axios report.
Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin credited the administration with revitalizing immigration enforcement agencies.
“Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now or face the consequence. Migrants are now even turning back before they reach our borders,” McLaughlin told the New York Post.
The Department of Public Safety released body camera footage showing the traffic stop and subsequent search.
The video captures Amaya’s initial cooperation followed by his reluctance when officers requested to inspect his vehicle, and the eventual discovery of the hidden passengers.
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