LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to federal prison for his role in transporting 17 undocumented aliens inside a hidden compartment, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Andrew Barron pleaded guilty June 28. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed him a 48-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described the reckless disregard Barron demonstrated in transporting the aliens in such a manner.

On April 19, Barron approached the Interstate Highway 35 checkpoint driving Chevy truck towing an open-air trailer with a load of mesquite wood. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection, at which time they searched the trailer and found a hidden compartment under the mesquite wood. 

After they unloaded it, they discovered 17 undocumented aliens, including three women and one juvenile male. All were citizens of Mexico.

Barron will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans prosecuted the case.