Laredoan admits to smuggling 27 in tractor trailer

LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo man has entered a guilty plea to conspiring to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. 

On Nov. 12, 2019, Roy Andy Olivares arrived at the Border Patrol Checkpoint located on U.S. Highway 83 north of Laredo. There, a K-9 alerted to the possible presence of concealed humans in the trailer. Authorities conducted a search and found 27 undocumented aliens, three of whom were minors.

At a hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga, Olivares admitted he knowingly attempted to smuggle the undocumented aliens past the checkpoint.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Olivares faces a possible 10-year prison term as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case.