A tractor-trailer carrying dozens of illegal aliens erupted in flames during a human smuggling pursuit near the southern border, authorities say.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Thursday night in Hidalgo County, Texas.
The driver of the big rig fled from a Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias, sparking a high-speed pursuit on U.S. 281, local media reports.
After the vehicle passed over a spike strip laid by Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) troopers, a fire broke out in the trailer for reasons that remain unclear.
A total of 39 illegal aliens inside managed to safely exit the semi, sources informed NewsNation’s Ali Bradley.
NEW: A semi truck tractor trailer smuggling 39 illegal immigrants led @TxDPS troopers on a chase last night after it fled from the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in Texas—Sources say troopers spiked the vehicle and it somehow caught on fire. All illegal immigrants were able… pic.twitter.com/JbNraJ795f
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) June 5, 2026
Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra advised that the highway was shut down while firefighters battled the blaze.
“Tractor trailer was involved in human smuggling and was being pursued by law enforcement,” Guerra stated.
HAPPENING NOW: SB lane of US 281 6 miles North of Linn is closed due to a Tractor-trailer on fire. Tractor trailer was involved in human smuggling and was being pursued by law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/KXxfYBjh0O
— Sheriff Eddie Guerra (@SheriffGuerra) June 5, 2026
U.S. authorities continue to intercept truck drivers smuggling illegal aliens, as we frequently report.
