EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In Laredo, Texas, a father and son have been apprehended by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents on charges of smuggling a significant cache of firearms into Mexico. This development follows the discovery by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers of concealed compartments in two trailers at the U.S.-Mexico border, which held the contraband.

The incident unfolded on October 23, when CBP officers stationed at the Laredo Bridge 2 Port of Entry conducted a routine stop of two vehicles heading southbound. Each vehicle was towing a box trailer, prompting further inspection.

During the inspection, officers detected anomalies within the trailer walls that raised suspicions.

Upon a more thorough examination, a secondary inspection uncovered hidden compartments brimming with an array of weaponry. The stash included approximately 400 firearms of different calibers, accompanied by high-capacity magazines and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

HSI officials have confirmed that these weapons were en route to Mexico, a country where such arms often exacerbate the ongoing violence fueled by cartels.

HSI officials said the guns were headed into Mexico, where cartels fuel ongoing violence.

The drivers were identified as Emilio Ramirez-Cortez, a lawful permanent resident, and his son Edgar Ramirez-Diaz, a U.S. citizen. Both were arrested on charges of federal firearms smuggling and turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service pending an initial court appearance.