Three found locked in auto rack rail car near U.S.

KNIPPA, Texas – For the second time in recent weeks, U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio Sector rescued migrants who were locked inside a freight rail car on a siding near Knippa, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

CBP said that on the afternoon of Sept. 7, agents assigned to the Uvalde Border Patrol Station were inspecting a stationary freight train on a rail siding near Knippa when a Border Patrol canine alerted to an autorack car carrying automobiles. Agents inspected the freight car and found three individuals locked inside with no way to free themselves, CBP said.

The individuals — one Mexican national, one Nicaraguan and one Honduran — were found concealed in the beds of pickup trucks inside the locked rail car, CBP said. They were taken to the Uvalde Station for processing.

CBP said the rescue came after a similar incident at the same location. On Aug. 30, Uvalde Station agents rescued a group of eight from a locked autorack freight car on the same rail siding.

“Attempts to make illegal entry via trains have historically had tragic results,” Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony “Scott” Good said. “This is the second time in two weeks our agents have rescued smuggled humans locked in a rail car at this location. U.S. Border Patrol urges anyone considering such rash action to understand their decision could result in disaster.”