Trio tried bypassing I-35 checkpoint with three migrants

Three men landed behind bars for bypassing the Interstate 35 checkpoint using the west access road to smuggle three migrants, according to an arrest affidavit. George Fields, Patrick French and Isaiah Washington were arrested on the charges of transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport migrants. At about 4:25 p.m.

April 3, a gray sedan was seen driving north on the west access road of Interstate 35. Agents observed the rear of the sedan riding low to the ground with the trunk door moving up and down. Agents followed the sedan on the access road.

The sedan then drove under the mile marker 32 underpass near a fuel station. When agents attempted to stop the vehicle, the sedan stopped at the fuel station's gas pumps and then sped off north, authorities said. The Encinal Police Department assisted in the pursuit.

Authorities said the sedan stopped on mile marker 44. Agents identified the driver as Washington, and the passengers as Fields and French. Three other passengers were determined to be migrants, the affidavit states.

One migrant was in the back seat while the other two migrants were riding inside the unlatched trunk. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrived to take over the investigation. Washington, Fields and French agreed to provide a post-arrest interview.

Washington admitted he was hired to pick up migrants for £15,000. He used a cellphone to receive calls and instructions of where to pick up migrants at a convenience store, according to court documents. "Washington's cellphone showed text messages with Fields (discussing) the smuggling operation needed a driver and it was an easy way to make money," states the affidavit.

Field's cellphone showed text messages with the smuggling organizer talking about staying at a hotel in Laredo, picking up the migrants at a convenience store, hiding the migrants in the trunk of the sedan and taking the route to drive, authorities said.

French's cellphone showed text messages with his girlfriend.

He texted he was trying to pick up "some Mexican" for £15,000, according to court documents.