Alleged human smugglers arrested in Texas after hiding migrants inside hollowed hay bales

After looking more closely, the deputies noticed there were people inside the bales in "dangerously confined spaces" below a metal framework and layers of hay.

"This method of concealment is not only deceptive but incredibly dangerous to human life," the sheriff's office said in a release. "Smugglers continue to use increasingly creative and hazardous techniques to transport individuals across Texas highways."

Twelve migrants were found hidden inside the hay bales. 

The driver, Delbert Flanders, 44, of Kansas, was taken to a hospital for treatment, and the accused coordinators of the operation - Adanaylo Lambert, 22, and Lency Delgado Fernandez, 25 - were taken into custody and face federal and state human smuggling charges. 

The migrants were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for processing. 

A judge sentenced Juan Miguel Regalado to 66 months in prison, while Samuel Grajeda Jr. was previously sentenced to 30 months. 

Both must also serve three years of supervised release.