Cartels will do whatever it takes to smuggle drugs and contraband, while migrants will do whatever it takes to escape their home countries. And while each group is alarmingly adept at accomplishing their goals, border patrols are putting modern technology to use to stop them. 

The X-ray is one of the most powerful tools at their disposal, and whether searching a truck for people or a mule for drugs, it sees right through deception. 

Here are 21 photos of x-rays that did their job, and helped catch the smugglers.