State troopers found two stash houses in south Laredo last week. Inside, they found 12 people who crossed the border with no papers.
A stash house is a place where smugglers hide people. This happens after they cross the border. Smugglers keep them there. Then they move them deep into the U.S. This is part of what cops call human smuggling. That means moving people for cash, often in bad and unsafe spots.
Texas DPS shared the news on Monday, Aug 10, 2026. DPS did not say the exact day troopers found the houses. Troopers worked with Border Patrol agents on this case.
The first house sat on Roque Loop. Troopers found four people from Mexico there.
The second house sat on Barrios Street. Troopers found eight people there. They came from Guatemala and Mexico.
DPS did not say if the two houses were linked. DPS did not name anyone caught up in this. The agency did not say if anyone got arrested or charged.
Laredo sits right on the border. Smugglers often use the city as a stop point. From there they move people deep into Texas and beyond. Stash houses can be packed. They often lack food, water, or a working bathroom. People inside often cannot leave on their own.
DPS and Border Patrol keep watching for stash houses across South Texas. This case stays under review. DPS has not said what happens next for the 12 people found in these two houses.
