Nathan Isaiah Solano, a 23-year-old resident of Tolleson, has been found guilty by a federal jury on charges related to the transportation of illegal aliens for profit. The verdict includes one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and two counts of actual transportation for profit. This decision followed a three-day trial presided over by United States District Judge James A. Soto. Solano's sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2025.
The case stems from an incident on September 19, 2023, when Solano was driving north on Arizona State Route 85 near the U.S.-Mexico border. He picked up two individuals waiting in the desert brush along the highway, who later admitted to being illegal aliens. A foot guide accompanying them assisted in loading them into Solano's Jeep before returning to Mexico. Border Patrol agents subsequently stopped Solano's vehicle and discovered the individuals curled up in the rear cargo area.
Solano claimed he had picked up hitchhikers; however, this defense was rejected by the jury, leading to his conviction on all three felony counts.
The investigation was conducted by Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol. The prosecution was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah Schmit and Jennifer Berman from the District of Arizona in Tucson.