A Florida man has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The sentencing follows a high-speed chase and subsequent arrest in southern New Mexico.
Court documents reveal that on July 15, 2024, Border Patrol agents spotted Omar Ozuna-Berneda, a 49-year-old Cuban national and lawful permanent resident, driving a white tractor-trailer on New Mexico State Road 26 near Deming. This vehicle had been seen traveling with other tractor-trailers involved in previous smuggling attempts. When agents attempted to stop the vehicle, Ozuna-Berneda led them on a high-speed pursuit, swerving into oncoming traffic and driving on the highway shoulder to evade capture.
The chase ended after 22 miles when Ozuna-Berneda abandoned the truck near Hatch, New Mexico, fleeing on foot. The abandoned trailer was found blocking both lanes of traffic with 31 illegal aliens locked inside, including an unaccompanied eight-year-old child. Border Patrol agents later found Ozuna-Berneda hiding in brush several miles away.
During questioning, Ozuna-Berneda admitted he knowingly transported illegal aliens from Las Cruces to Albuquerque for payment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin commented: “Those who violate our immigration laws by engaging in human smuggling endanger both the public and law enforcement through their reckless actions.” He emphasized the commitment to enforcing immigration laws and prosecuting those who risk lives for financial gain.
U.S. Border Patrol Interim Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar stated: “If you aid in violating U.S. immigration laws by attempting to smuggle individuals into the United States, we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent possible.”
After serving his prison sentence, Ozuna-Berneda will undergo three years of supervised release.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol with help from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Land Management, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl.