Israeli Border Police Foil Smuggling of 16 Illegal Immigrants Hidden in Truck at Mezamoria Crossing

Israeli Border Police fighters from the Jerusalem periphery and checkpoint units intercepted a truck carrying 16 illegal immigrants concealed within a specially constructed double wall at the Mezamoria crossing. The operation took place early in the morning following precise intelligence from the Border Police Investigation and Intelligence Department. The truck, driven by a resident of East Jerusalem, was stopped and thoroughly inspected, revealing the hidden compartment where the migrants were cramped in poor, unventilated conditions.

The detainees were caught attempting to cross from the West Bank into Israel without legal entry permits. Video footage shows the dramatic moments as Border Police officers, including an armed female soldier, oversee the migrants crawling out of the narrow, dark hiding space and instruct them to lie on the ground with hands behind their backs for secure control. Personal belongings and bags were found inside the metal compartment.

The Border Police company commander in the Jerusalem periphery, Chief Sergeant Yarden Fogel, stated that the joint efforts of the Border Police, the Jerusalem periphery command center, and checkpoint fighters led to the successful interception. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to combating illegal immigration and those aiding it to ensure the security of Israeli citizens. The truck driver and all 16 migrants were arrested and transferred for further criminal and security investigation by the Border Police Investigation and Intelligence Department in the Jerusalem periphery.