San Antonio Human Smuggling Case May Go Federal after 26 Rescued from Stash House

Last week, a significant human smuggling bust occurred on the South Side of San Antonio. In this harrowing event, twenty-six undocumented migrants were found hidden away in a stash house, with over half found to have injuries significant enough to require hospitalization. The update circling around this case is that it might be taken up by federal hands, transitioning it from a state issue to one of national concern.

While some might argue that human smuggling constitutes a victimless crime, harsh realities persistently attest to the opposite view. Last Thursday, a flatbed truck was laid bare, revealing a hidden compartment carrying undocumented migrants. This discovery resulted in the uncovering of an active human smuggling ring.

Local Undocumented Migrants End up in ATI’s Hands

The flatbed truck was traced back to an address on Oak Island Drive by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Upon further investigation, an unimaginable scene was discovered – 26 migrants cramped up in unsafe conditions. As the case is currently under review, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has stepped in to provide assistance.

Federal Invokement: When and Why?

Though most human smuggling cases begin with local or state involvement, they could potentially shift federal if the illegal activity is severe enough to warrant maximal impact and the dismantling of the criminal organization. Craig Larrabe, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for the San Antonio operating area, mentioned their vast responsibility towards illegal crossing offenses going beyond 400 statutes.

The Smuggling Journey

Crossing the border on foot in areas such as Laredo, Eagle Pass, and Terrell County is usually how migrants initially enter the U.S.A. Once they do, small vehicles pick them up, and some end up in stash houses. These locations often serve as waiting areas until additional payments are extorted from the migrants’ families for their release. Unfortunately, in a harsh display of reality, an alleged smuggler in Eagle Pass was murdered last year after an influx in payment demand resulted in tragic consequences.

The Role of Homeland Security Investigations

Larrabe emphasized the importance of collecting evidence to ensure successful prosecution of these criminal entities. Simultaneously, they must protect the undocumented migrants who are often treated poorly and subjected to inhuman circumstances, especially during the intense summer heat.

Legal Jurisdiction Yet to be Decided

As of now, the determination regarding the prosecution of last week’s incident, where 26 migrants were discovered under gloomy circumstances, hangs in the balance. The decision over state-side or federal jurisdiction is yet to be drawn.