A Kansas man, Robert Monkel, was arrested at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint after agents found 24 people, including a 4-year-old boy, illegally inside a 35-degree refrigerated trailer. Monkel was charged with transporting people illegally into the U.S. with reckless disregard. The trailer, which was carrying pallets of produce, was flagged for inspection, and Border Patrol agents discovered the individuals hidden inside. The trailer’s temperature and ice on the produce confirmed the cold conditions they were exposed to.
A subsequent search of the truck revealed a handgun and ammunition in the sleeper compartment. Homeland Security Investigations found that this was the first time the truck had crossed the checkpoint in two years, and the truck’s manifest only listed produce. Monkel had crossed the Progresso port of entry in early November. Some individuals inside the trailer described being instructed by a Hispanic male to climb into the trailer and hide on top of the produce.
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