Human smuggling and illegal immigration have become increasingly pressing issues along the Texas border, and an election hot topic.

Texas, sharing the longest border with Mexico, which continues to be an epicenter of this crisis, where organized criminal networks exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities or fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries.

Human smuggling operations often involve dangerous and inhumane conditions. Migrants are transported in overcrowded vehicles, sometimes without food or water for extended periods. Many face the threat of physical abuse or exploitation along the way. Tragically, stories of abandoned migrants or deadly accidents during transit are all too common.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched Operation Lone Star to ramp up security along the Texas-Mexico border in March 2021, citing insufficient policies from the federal government.

He announced that the state would deploy resources from the Department of Public Safety and the National Guard. The Texas Legislature dedicated nearly $2 billion toward the effort. But the operation has been mired in controversy; with critics arguing that they often punish the victims rather than the smugglers themselves.

National Guard troops have called it a disaster, and migrants arrested on state trespassing charges have gotten caught in confused legal proceedings, their lawyers citing due-process violations. Despite the state's efforts, smugglers continue to test the operation.

Video From An August 30th Arrest In Kinney County Is Gaining Attention.

According to opening of the video posted to the Texas Department Of Public Safety Youtube channel, a Texas DPS Trooper spotted a Lowe's box truck on U.S. Hwy 277.

During the traffic stop, the driver identified as Megel Cazanna Patterson from Mississippi, consented to a vehicle search. During the search troopers discovered discrepancies inside the cargo area indicating a false compartment.

Troopers Discovered 17 People Crammed Inside A Hidden Compartment.

After spotting the false compartment, troopers cracked open the fake wall and found 17 illegal immigrants crammed inside a 3 foot wide compartment. Several illegal immigrants required medical treatment for dehydration.

Troopers arrested and charged Patterson with smuggling persons with the likelihood of serious bodily injury or death while the illegal immigrants were referred to the US Border Patrol.