16 illegals arrested at Mercedes stash house

A tip from an anonymous caller led to the discovery of a suspected stash house in Mercedes.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended 16 illegal aliens who were found in the stash house Tuesday.

The 16 who were apprehended were nationals of Nepal, Albania, Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. They were taken into custody and another individual who is a Mexican national, is being questioned for his role in human smuggling.

“This operation underscores the critical role that the public and local law enforcement partners play in identifying and disrupting human smuggling operations,” said Mark Lippa, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge, in a release. “Transnational criminal networks continue to endanger lives for profit. ICE will relentlessly pursue those who exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.”

The anonymous caller reported Monday that illegal aliens were kept at the Mercedes residence. Afterward, ICE contacted Mercedes PD — who conducted a welfare check of the property.

"Authorities spoke to the owner of the property who admitted to harboring approximately 16 individuals inside the home," the release said.

The investigation remains ongoing.