17 people found locked inside tractor-trailer in RGV

Relative alerted police to trapped people

EDINBURG, Texas – Police in Edinberg, Texas, were able to save everyone found trapped inside a tractor-trailer.

Officers made the discovery around noon Sunday after a relative called police and alerted them to the immigrants' location, according to police.

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Police said the relative called from Mexico and said a loved one along with dozens of other victims was locked inside the trailer parked at the Flying J gas station.

Officers started knocking on trailers in the parking lot until they heard someone knock back.

READ MORE: Survivor in smuggling deaths shares harrowing details about truck, trip

All 17 people inside were found alive. Police said they believe the immigrants were in the trailer for eight to nine hours.

The victims are reported to be from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Romania. Police detained two people in charge of the trailer,

RELATED: Human smugglers treat people like ‘container full of pencils,' ICE agent says

The Border Patrol has not taken control of the investigation.

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