Steven Beltran-Lugo, a 19-year-old from Glendale, has been sentenced to 38 months in prison for his involvement in a fatal alien smuggling incident. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez on March 11, 2025. Beltran-Lugo pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to transporting illegal aliens for profit, which resulted in the death of one individual.
The incident occurred on March 6, 2024, when Beltran-Lugo and his co-defendant, Cesar Velazquez-Munoz, picked up two illegal aliens near the border. During their transport into the United States, law enforcement began following their vehicle. The victims were instructed to exit the moving vehicle. One victim jumped out at approximately 45 miles per hour and sustained fatal injuries after hitting the pavement. He succumbed to his injuries two days later in the hospital.
Cesar Velazquez-Munoz is scheduled for sentencing on March 31, 2025.
This case is part of efforts by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which collaborates with DHS and other agencies to combat human smuggling and trafficking operations linked to cartels and transnational criminal organizations. JTFA's work spans several countries including Mexico and various Central American nations.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation with prosecution managed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tucson, Arizona.