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A man was arrested at the Falfurrias checkpoint after Border Patrol agents found eight people illegally present in the country concealed within various furniture items inside a trailer, according to an affidavit.
Federico De Leon was charged with knowingly and with reckless disregard attempting to transport or move people illegally present in the U.S. using a trailer.
According to the affidavit, on Tuesday, at around 6:30 a.m., a white 2002 Chevrolet Silverado hauling an enclosed non-refrigerated trailer entered the primary inspection lane at the Falfurrias checkpoint.
De Leon told the agents that he was hauling his own furniture as he was moving.
A K-9 then alerted agents to the trailer causing De Leon to be referred to the secondary inspection area.
“Once in secondary, the Border Patrol canine team discovered eight individuals hidden within the trailer,” the affidavit said.
The trailer contained a refrigerator lying on its side, washing machine, bed and various furniture items.
During an interview, De Leon stated his friend Cesar, whose nickname is “Gavi,” had kept bothering him to drive a truck and trailer to San Antonio because Gavi doesn’t know how to drive with a trailer.
Sometime between around 10 and 11 p.m., Gavi called De Leon again to take the trailer and continued to call throughout the night until De Leon eventually agreed.
Gavi later picked up De Leon and drove him to where the truck and trailer were located on La Homa Road.
De Leon then stated that Gavi was leading the way to the checkpoint when he lost sight of his vehicle.
He added that the plan was to drop off the truck and trailer then hitch a ride back with Gavi.
Though De Leon never mentioned payment or knowledge of the concealed people inside the trailer, a search of his cellphone revealed messages between he and Gavi discussing an unknown trip and De Leon requesting $500 advance payment.
One of the individuals concealed in the trailer told authorities that five people were already concealed when he entered the trailer, so he hid as well and stated that “it became hard to breathe.”
De Leon is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Julie K. Hampton Thursday morning for a preliminary examination and detention hearing.
