Nineteen alleged members of a human smuggling organization have been charged for coordinating the smuggling of dozens of unauthorized migrants into the United States from Mexico, primarily using personal watercraft via the Pacific Ocean. Nine of the 19 are currently in custody. A grand jury returned an indictment against 14 members, and a complaint was filed against an additional five.
“The Justice Department is committed to dismantling transnational human smuggling operations that prey on migrants and threaten our national security,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Nefarious organizations like the one charged in this case can expect to answer for their alleged crimes in American courtrooms.”
The nine arrested defendants were apprehended at ports of entry or elsewhere in San Diego during a multi-agency enforcement effort last week; the remaining defendants are fugitives. Federal agents executed court-authorized search warrants at suspected stash houses in San Diego and Los Angeles, seizing over $100,000 in U.S. currency and two boxes of ammunition during these operations. Agents had previously seized more than $120,000 during the investigation.
According to the indictment and complaint, the defendants participated in a long-running conspiracy to illegally bring people from Mexico into the United States by land and sea. The organization arranged transport from Mexico by personal watercraft to coastal areas such as Sunset Cliffs, Bird Rock in La Jolla, and Imperial Beach, California, often at night under dangerous conditions. Smugglers favor personal watercraft for their speed and ability to approach shore quickly, allowing rapid drop-offs and evasion of authorities.
The charging documents allege that the defendants were also responsible for transporting migrants further within the United States, either driving themselves or coordinating with other drivers to destinations including Los Angeles; Santa Barbara, California; and Las Vegas. The organization allegedly charged between approximately $7,000 and $16,000 per smuggled person and transported tens of thousands of dollars in profits from San Diego to Mexico.
“Human smuggling cases are a top priority because lives are at stake,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “Whether racing a jet ski up the coast without lifejackets or hauling a tractor trailer packed with people, smugglers expose vulnerable migrants to extreme danger and prioritize profit over human life.”
“Every aspect of human smuggling – whether it be by land, sea or aircraft – puts lives at risk,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Davis of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego. “HSI and our partner agencies are committed to curbing this illegal activity that’s solely designed to enrich greedy smugglers’ financial pockets.”
“This indictment serves as notice to those transnational criminal organizations operating along our coastal border that it is only a matter of time before they are brought to justice,” said San Diego Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “Our focus continues to be on protecting our nation, and we will leverage all available resources to hold these criminals accountable for their actions.”
Defendants Edgar Jiminez Macias (33), Alex Ceja Guzman (30), also known as Alejandro and Gordo; Tobias Julian Burgara Gonzalez (32), all from Tijuana; Junior Zavala Ramirez (34), also known as JR from Tecate; Ivan Pulido Jauregui (49); Manuel Gonzalez Lopez (26), also known as Tortillero; Jesus Misael Molina Flores (20); Alexis Adrian Villela Inda (29); Mateo Adrian Alduenda Gutierrez (26), all from Nayarit; are currently in custody facing charges related to conspiracy for financial gain through alien smuggling activities.
The HSI San Diego Marine Task Force collaborated with U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard on this investigation.
Assistant U.S Attorneys David Fawcett detailed Joint Task Force Alpha partnership between Justice Department’s Criminal Division & Department Homeland Security Peter Horn Lawrence Casper Southern District California prosecuting case part Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces OCDETF investigation identifying disrupting dismantling highest-level drug traffickers money launderers gangs transnational criminal organizations threatening United States prosecutor-led intelligence-driven multi-agency approach leveraging strengths federal state local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks coordinated efforts Joint Task Force Alpha JTFA established June 2021 marshal investigative prosecutorial resources Justice Department partnership DHS combat rise prolific dangerous human smuggling trafficking groups operating Mexico Guatemala El Salvador Honduras comprising detailees US Attorneys Offices southwest border including Southern District California District Arizona District New Mexico Western Southern Districts Texas dedicated support numerous components Justice Department’s Criminal Division led Human Rights Special Prosecutions Section supported Office Prosecutorial Development Assistance Training Narcotic Dangerous Drug Section Money Laundering Asset Recovery Section Office Enforcement Operations Office International Affairs Violent Crime Racketeering Section substantial law enforcement investment DHS FBI Drug Enforcement Administration partners resulting more than 310 domestic international arrests leaders organizers significant facilitators human smuggling more than 250 US convictions more than 185 significant jail sentences imposed forfeitures substantial assets
An indictment or complaint merely allegations All defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt court law