San Antonio Human Smuggling Tragedy Leaves 10 Dead

The horrifying story of a tractor-trailer crammed with people being suffocated to death in the broiling heat of a Texas summer day likely pricked at the hearts of everyone who heard about it earlier this week. Each one of those 100 people—all undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Central America – risked their lives, and in the case of ten of them, lost their lives for the chance at a better life in the United States. A story in the New York Times described it as one of the deadliest human trafficking episodes ever.

The truck, which had no working refrigeration and little ventilation quickly became overheated in the Texas sun. The truck’s occupants banged on the walls of the trailer to get the driver’s attention, but they were ignored. The story in the Times said that they found one small vent that was open, so they took turns getting air. When the truck finally came to a stop in a Walmart parking lot in San Antonio and the doors were opened, it revealed a horrible scene with ten dead bodies and nearly 30 others who needed hospitalization.

The police came to the truck on Sunday morning after having been notified by a Walmart employee about the truck in the store’s parking lot. The truck’s driver, James Bradley, was arrested and made a brief appearance in federal court answering the charges against him. He said that he had been unaware that his cargo was human.

A Washington Post story reports that the incident comes at a time of stepped-up immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, which has made it a priority to deport undocumented people and dramatically increase border security.

Adding fuel to the fire over illegal immigration

This story has sparked debate from both sides of the immigration battle. Texas’ lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, used the opportunity to talk about the state’s new law which bans sanctuary cities, and carries criminal penalties for officials who do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. He said that sanctuary cities enable smugglers and cartels, and that this unfortunate case demonstrates why the U.S. needs a secure border and legal immigration reform.

Democratic State Representative Eddie Rodriguez admonished Patrick’s statement and said that the occasion of 10 people losing their lives under such horrific circumstances deserves to be observed with respect and not “self-indulgent cheerleading.”

San Antonio itself is also fighting back. The city has sued to block the anti-sanctuary city law, S.B.4 which would take effect on September 1, arguing that it violates the U.S. Constitution.

The takeaway of the story

Many people have tried to politicize this story for their own gains. From our perspective, though, all we see are 10 families that have been devastated, and 20 people whose lives might hang in the balance. We understand that even now, when our country has such divided opinions when it comes to immigration (legal or otherwise), that coming to the USA is still a dream for so many. That is why we want to help you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to come here for a better life, or you are facing deportation, or you are trying to make your family whole, our Knoxville immigration attorneys can help you find a way. You can trust us.

The increased immigration enforcement, news of deportations and other troubling news can be confusing. Our Knoxville immigration lawyers can help provide you with facts and represent you if you should encounter Visa problems or travel restrictions. Please contact LaFevor & Slaughter by calling 865-637-6258, or filling out this contact form. We’re here to help you now.