17 Migrants Found Inside Fake Lowe’s Truck in Del Rio Human Smuggling Case
Del Rio, TX – Authorities are investigating a human smuggling case after Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers discovered 17 undocumented immigrants inside a fake Lowe’s store truck. The vehicle, designed to mimic an official company truck, was pulled over by troopers who quickly uncovered the elaborate smuggling operation.
Details of the Discovery
During the traffic stop, DPS Lieutenant Chris Olivares reported that troopers found 13 men and four women hidden inside the vehicle. A search of the truck revealed a false compartment within the cargo area, where the migrants were being transported in dangerous conditions without proper air circulation. Several of the individuals required treatment for dehydration due to the lack of air and water in the sealed compartment.
Driver Arrested
The driver of the truck, 28-year-old Miguel Patterson from Jacksonville, Mississippi, was taken into custody and charged with human smuggling causing serious bodily injury. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if Patterson was part of a larger smuggling network operating across state lines.
Health Concerns and Treatment
Many of the migrants had suffered from dehydration due to the poor conditions inside the hidden compartment. First responders were on hand to provide necessary medical treatment at the scene. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but authorities have expressed concerns about the increasingly dangerous methods used by smugglers to transport individuals across borders.
Ongoing Investigation
The case is part of a broader effort by Texas DPS and federal agencies to crack down on human smuggling operations. The use of cloned commercial vehicles is a growing tactic employed by smugglers to evade detection by law enforcement.
