A female suspect is facing significant charges after illegal aliens were found dead in and around train cars in South Texas this week, according to reports.
On Monday, authorities located the bodies of seven people who died during an apparent smuggling attempt linked to an operation originating in the Del Rio area.
Six deceased individuals ranging in age from 14 to 56 and hailing primarily from Mexico and Honduras were found in a Union Pacific boxcar during an inspection at a rail yard in Laredo, as we previously reported.
Webb County Medical Examiner Dr. Corinne Stern announced that hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) was likely the cause of death for all six.
On the same day, the body of man carrying a Mexican voter registration card was discovered near train tracks in Bexar County, according to local authorities.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested a woman identified as Mayra Huerta while executing a search warrant at a trailer in an area known as “the Vega” near the Rio Grande on Monday.
Officers “observed three persons exit the residence, wade across the Rio Grande River and abscond into Mexico,” according to court documents provided to NewsNation correspondent Ali Bradley.
“HUERTA stated she lives with her husband, whom she knows is a Mexican national without legal authority to have enter remain in the United States at 7593 Vega Verde Ra. Del Rio, Texas. HUERTA stated she and her husband have lived at that address for approximately two years. HUERTA also stated that her husband’s son, and nephew, resided at the residence as well. HUERTA stated her husband’s son, and his nephew are also Mexican nationals without legal authority or documentation to have entered or remained in the United States. Immigration record checks confirm that all three individuals are Mexican nationals without legal status.”
Officers found $53,000 cash and weapons at the trailer during a search.
Huerta pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the case.
