Texas Highway Bust: 23 Migrants Found Hidden in Semi Truck Sleeper

A routine traffic stop on a Texas interstate uncovered a major human smuggling operation. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers found 23 undocumented migrants concealed in a semi-truck’s sleeper berth. The discovery occurred on Interstate 35 in La Salle County on November 28, 2025.

The driver, John David Amaya, was arrested and now faces serious felony charges. The incident highlights ongoing smuggling challenges along the southern U.S. border. According to Texas DPS, this case is part of a broader enforcement pattern.

From Traffic Violation to Major Discovery

The stop began for a simple violation. A DPS trooper pulled over a white Freightliner for driving on the improved shoulder. The driver, 24-year-old John David Amaya, could not produce a valid commercial driver’s license.

This prompted the trooper to call for backup and a K-9 unit. The dog alerted officers to the sleeper compartment. Inside, they found 23 people from several Central American countries and Mexico.

The space was extremely cramped and not designed for so many passengers. DPS released video showing the crowded conditions. All 23 individuals were referred to U.S. Border Patrol for processing.

Stringent Texas Law Means Severe Penalties

John David Amaya faces 23 individual counts of smuggling of persons. Texas law, strengthened in 2023, mandates severe penalties for this crime. A conviction now carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Governor Greg Abbott signed the legislation to create a stronger deterrent. The law aims to disrupt smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable migrants. For Amaya, the potential prison time could amount to decades.

The migrants’ legal futures are now uncertain. Their cases will proceed through federal immigration channels. Each person faces the possibility of deportation.

A Common Tactic on Texas Roadways

Using commercial trucks for smuggling is a known method. Smugglers believe large vehicles attract less scrutiny. The sleeper berth offers a concealed, though dangerous, hiding space.

Texas DPS conducts thousands of highway inspections annually. Troopers are trained to spot signs of illicit activity. This stop demonstrates how a minor violation can lead to a significant bust.

The agency has reported similar discoveries in recent years. The vast Texas highway network is a major corridor for such activities. Enforcement remains a top priority for state officials.

This Texas human smuggling bust underscores the persistent and dangerous nature of illegal border crossings. While state laws promise harsh punishment for smugglers, the underlying demand for passage continues. The event serves as a stark reminder of the risks undertaken by migrants and the vigilance required of law enforcement on everyday patrols.

Info at your fingertips

What charges does the truck driver face?

John David Amaya faces 23 felony counts of smuggling of persons. Under Texas law, each count carries a minimum 10-year prison sentence upon conviction. He was also cited for not having a commercial driver’s license.

Where were the migrants from?

According to Texas DPS, the group included individuals from Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. All 23 were determined to be in the United States without legal authorization.

What happens to the migrants now?

They were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol for processing. Their cases will follow federal immigration procedures, which may include detention, asylum interviews, or removal proceedings.

Why is the penalty so severe in Texas?

In 2023, Texas increased the minimum sentence for human smuggling to 10 years. State leaders stated the goal was to deter criminal organizations by imposing guaranteed, lengthy prison terms for convicted smugglers.

How did the troopers find the people?

After the initial stop, a trooper called for a K-9 unit. The police dog alerted to the sleeper berth area of the semi-truck, leading officers to investigate the compartment and discover the hidden individuals.