Border Patrol detains 17 immigrants who were being illegally transported in a semi-truck cab in Socorro on Thursday. Border Patrol agents and New Mexico State Police officers were both at the scene.
Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain

Border Patrol found 17 immigrants being illegally transported in a semi-truck cab on I-25 Thursday. Socorro residents may have seen Border Patrol taking the group into custody at the Circle K on Highway 85.

Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Truth or Consequences station received a tip that there was potential human smuggling on May 20, according to a press release from CBP. Agents observed the tractor-trailer traveling north on I-25 near Truth or Consequences. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and New Mexico State Police requested assistance to conduct a vehicle stop of the semi-truck.

Agents found the 17 people hidden inside the cabin sleeping area after hearing “shuffling feet,” states the release. The driver, who is a U.S. citizen, was taken into Border Patrol Custody and is pending criminal prosecution.

All 17 of the immigrants and the driver were transported to the Las Cruces Border Patrol Station for processing. Homeland Security Investigation is continuing investigation on the case, according to the release.