TEXAS – Federal prosecutors say a South Texas traffic stop led to a disturbing discovery: more than 50 migrants packed inside a refrigerated tractor-trailer with little room to move and no safe way to escape.
According to reports, the driver, identified as Greibein Alexis Pinot-Duarte, a Honduran national, was stopped near Freer last week. Investigators say he appeared nervous, and a K-9 alerted officers to the back of the trailer.
When they opened it, they found 51 people hidden in a cramped compartment beneath boxes of produce. The temperature inside was reportedly about 55 degrees.
Authorities say the group had limited ventilation and almost no ability to get out on their own.
Pinot-Duarte is now charged with smuggling migrants and, if convicted, could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
The case is one of several filed from Nov. 21–27, as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas reports an increase in border-related prosecutions.
In total, federal officials announced 235 new cases this week, including charges tied to human smuggling, unauthorized entry, and reentry after a prior removal.
Among the people charged with reentering the country are two men with previous criminal convictions:
• Christian Omar Amezquita-Munoz, who was found near Donna and has a prior federal drug conviction, according to court documents.
• Oscar Enrique Govea-Acuna, discovered near Hidalgo, who has a conviction for evading arrest with a vehicle.
Both men face up to 20 years in prison, if convicted.
Federal officials say these cases are part of a broader effort involving Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, ATF, and local law enforcement agencies across Texas.
Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.