VIDEO: DOZENS of illegal immigrants recovered from a burning trailer in South Texas.
On June 4, 2026, DPS Troopers responded to assist Border Patrol Agents in a vehicle pursuit involving a tractor trailer along Highway 281 near Falfurrias. During the pursuit, Troopers deployed a tire deflation device in attempt to stop the vehicle – but the driver continued to evade until the tractor trailer caught fire. Troopers and Agents immediately removed the driver and a passenger from the vehicle’s cab and placed them under arrest. At that time, the driver informed law enforcement of additional occupants inside the trailer.
Troopers and Agents quickly unlocked the trailer and rescued 39 suspected illegal immigrants before the trailer became engulfed in flames. All subjects were medically screened for injuries prior to being taken into custody.
This incident is a reminder of the dangerous lengths human smugglers will go to when engaging in this criminal activity, and DPS is proud to work with our federal partners, like USBP, to stop them.
Video on our YouTube page ➡️
youtu.be/N6gPWY8twNQ