On Wednesday, extensive coordination between the Justice Department and its domestic and international partners resulted in a major enforcement operation that dismantled a human smuggling network based in Guatemala. In June 2022, this network smuggled people into the United States on a journey that ended with the deaths of 53 migrants in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas. Twenty-one of the deceased migrants were Guatemalan.
This case is part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen U.S. enforcement efforts against human smuggling emanating from Central America.
On Aug. 21, Guatemalan law enforcement executed multiple search and arrest warrants across Guatemala, working together with United States law enforcement agents. At the request of the United States, Guatemalan authorities arrested Guatemalan national Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, who has been indicted in the Western District of Texas in connection with the investigation. Six individuals arrested as part of the operation will be charged locally in Guatemala.
Miranda-Orozco, 47, whose indictment was unsealed today, allegedly conspired with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of four migrants from Guatemala through Mexico and ultimately to the United States. He allegedly charged the migrants or their families and friends approximately $12,000 to $15,000 for the journey. The indictment alleges that three of these migrants perished in the tractor-trailer and that the fourth suffered serious bodily injury. Miranda-Orozco is charged with six counts related to migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious bodily injury. He faces maximum penalties of life in prison.
“Over the past two years, the Justice Department has worked methodically to hold accountable those responsible for the horrific tragedy in San Antonio that killed 53 people who had been preyed on by human smugglers,” said Attorney General Garland. “With these arrests, the Justice Department and our partners in Guatemala have now arrested a total of 14 people for their alleged involvement in this tragedy."
“Smugglers prey on migrants and seek profits with complete disregard for human life,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
“In launching Joint Task Force Alpha three years ago...we pledged to hold accountable those responsible,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.
“As alleged...Miranda-Orozco recruited some of the migrants who died...and worked with a network of smugglers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri.
“This was a complex operation and a major success for...apprehending a key orchestrator,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas.
“HSI is deeply immersed...these arrests reflect disruption...” said HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger.
“The men and women at CBP are unwavering...” said Senior Official Performing Duties Commissioner Troy A. Miller.
The human smuggling organization allegedly loaded 65 migrants into a tractor-trailer without functioning air conditioning as it drove north on a Texas interstate. As temperatures rose inside, some migrants lost consciousness while others clawed at walls trying to escape; by arrival at San Antonio, 48 had died inside while another five succumbed after being transported to hospitals—six children and one pregnant woman among them.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District Texas previously charged seven other defendants related to this event; four pleaded guilty thus far.
The indictment against Miranda-Orozco and cooperation between U.S.-Guatemalan authorities were spearheaded by JTFA alongside numerous interagency collaborations aimed at disrupting dangerous Central American-originated smuggling networks impacting U.S., including El Salvador-Honduras-Mexico-Colombia-Panama operations targeting prolific offenders endangering/abusing/exploiting vulnerable populations presenting national security risks engaging transnational organized crime activities.
Since inception JTFA increased coordination/collaboration DOJ-DHS-foreign law enforcement targeting impactful organizations coordinating significant indictments/extraditions across various jurisdictions supported by southwest border US Attorneys' Offices including Southern Districts TX/AZ/CA alongside DOJ Criminal Division components like HRSP-OPDAT-NDDS-MLARS-EO-JTFA operationalized via substantial DHS-FBI-DEA investments.
HSI San Antonio investigated case aided by HSI Guatemala/DC Human Smuggling Unit-CBP National Targeting Center/Operation Sentinel-US Border Patrol-BATFE-San Antonio Police/Fire Departments-Palestine Police Dept.-OIA-OPDAT further assisted while DOJ thanked instrumental Guatemalan law enforcement contributions advancing investigation.
HRSP Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion & Assistant US Attorneys Jose Luis Acosta-Eric Fuchs-Sarah Spears-Amanda Brown prosecuted case assisted HRSP Historian/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt court law.