This week, suspected human smugglers were arrested for allegedly hiding migrants inside modified hay bales, according to officials.
During a routine traffic stop near Flatonia, Texas, deputies discovered hollowed-out bales inside a hay trailer, creating compartments, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
After a closer inspection, the deputies discovered people inside the bales in “dangerously confined spaces” beneath a metal framework and layers of hay.
“This method of concealment is not only deceptive, but also extremely dangerous to human life,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Smugglers continue to use increasingly creative and hazardous techniques to transport individuals across Texas highways.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducted a thorough inspection after requesting assistance from the Border Patrol’s Sector Intelligence Unit. During the inspection, inconsistencies were discovered while questioning the pickup driver and passengers.
Twelve migrants were discovered hiding inside the hay bales.
The driver, Delbert Flanders, 44, of Kansas, was taken to the hospital for treatment, while the accused operation coordinators, Adanaylo Lambert, 22, and Lency Delgado Fernandez, 25, were arrested and charged with federal and state human smuggling.
The migrants were transferred to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for processing.
In a separate incident, two human smugglers were sentenced on May 15 after high-speed chases near the border.
The judge sentenced Juan Miguel Regalado to 66 months in prison, while Samuel Grajeda Jr. was previously sentenced to 30 months.
Both must also complete three years of supervised release.
