LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – Laredo Police and a local business owner are addressing three individuals who allegedly attempted to smuggle undocumented immigrants through an underground utility hole in Downtown Laredo.
Jesus Bernal owns a restaurant located at the corner of San Agustin Ave. and Park St., and was shocked to hear about an alleged human smuggling attempt that occurred right next to his business on Wednesday morning, May 28.
He stated, “I’ve never seen anything like that before. We saw them running, entering, crossing and we saw them pass through there, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen anything like that.”
According to Laredo Police, three individuals identified as 20-year-old Antonio Benavides, 22-year-old Melissa Sanchez and a 15-year-old were seen opening the manhole, which put the lives of two undocumented individuals inside in danger.
Bernal added, “I can only imagine what it’s like in there; it must be suffocating. Imagine those of us who suffer from claustrophobia.”
Laredo Police Department crews helped remove the people from the manhole, and they were subsequently taken into Border Patrol custody.
According to Laredo’s Chief of Police, Miguel Rodriguez, “These individuals were using our sanitary lines to transport illegal, undocumented persons from point A to point B. We are currently in the preliminary stages of our investigation.”
This incident occurred just two months after Border Patrol discovered 11 people emerging from a drainpipe on Evans St.
Rodriguez states that these types of human smuggling attempts are among the dangerous measures people will take to enter the country.
“This happens whenever there’s more enforcement. Organizations pivot, and we have to make sure that, as they pivot, we understand what direction they’re taking so that we can counter that,” Rodriguez noted.
As more individuals become desperate and seek ways to enter the U.S. illegally, both Rodriguez and Bernal issue a warning to others.
“I hope the people doing this are safe and that they don’t come. Not because we don’t want them or need them, but it’s a risk to their lives,” Bernal stated.
All three individuals involved were charged with human smuggling, and the undocumented immigrants were handed over to Border Patrol.
For more headlines, click here.
Copyright 2025 KGNS. All rights reserved.
