Mississippi Man Arrested in Texas for Allegedly Smuggling 17 Illegal Immigrants in "Cloned" Box Truck

Law enforcement in Texas apprehended a Mississippi man after a traffic stop revealed 17 illegal immigrants concealed within a fabricated compartment inside a box truck disguised as a home improvement store delivery vehicle. The truck, which was stopped near the southern border, had expired tags and raised suspicion during an interview with the driver.

On August 30th, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) apprehended Cezanne Megel Patterson, a 28-year-old Mississippi resident, after uncovering 17 illegal immigrants crammed into a fabricated compartment within a "cloned" box truck in Kinney County. Bodycam footage captured the incident.

Mississippi Man Arrested in Texas for Allegedly Smuggling 17 Illegal Immigrants in "Cloned" Box Truck

The incident unfolded when a DPS trooper conducted a routine traffic stop on a truck resembling a Lowe's Home Improvement store delivery vehicle traveling on US-277 near the southern border. Upon interviewing Patterson, the driver, the trooper noticed suspicious behavior and inconsistencies with his travel itinerary, coupled with the discovery of expired tags on the truck.

Subsequently, Patterson gave consent for a search of the truck, leading troopers to the discovery of a concealed compartment in the cargo area near the front. Using crowbars and other tools, they forced open the compartment, revealing 17 illegal immigrants confined within the 3-foot-wide space with inadequate ventilation.

Mississippi Man Arrested in Texas for Allegedly Smuggling 17 Illegal Immigrants in "Cloned" Box Truck

Video footage released by DPS showcased the migrants in various postures to optimize space within the cramped compartment. The group comprised four females and 13 males hailing from various countries, including Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Each migrant was instructed to exit the compartment one at a time and sit inside the box truck with their legs crossed. They received treatment for dehydration before being referred to Border Patrol.

Mississippi Man Arrested in Texas for Allegedly Smuggling 17 Illegal Immigrants in "Cloned" Box Truck

Patterson faces charges of human smuggling with the potential for causing serious bodily injury or death. He was transported to the Val Verde processing center for further proceedings.

DPS highlighted the dangers associated with human smuggling and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for financial gain. The department emphasized its commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring the protection of individuals who have entered the country without authorization.

Mississippi Man Arrested in Texas for Allegedly Smuggling 17 Illegal Immigrants in "Cloned" Box Truck

The operation serves as a testament to the vigilance of DPS troopers and their dedication to safeguarding the border and upholding the rule of law. It also emphasizes the importance of combating illegal immigration and protecting the safety of migrants who often endure perilous conditions while attempting to enter the United States.