Two men were found guilty by a federal jury for their involvement in a tragic 2022 alien smuggling incident in San Antonio, Texas, which led to the deaths of 53 individuals and injuries to 11 others. A third suspect, implicated in the same case, was extradited from Guatemala to face charges in the United States.
“These convictions and extradition represent the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting the leaders, organizers, and key facilitators of alien smuggling networks that bring people illegally — at significant risk to life — into the United States,” stated Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. He emphasized this as a demonstration of Joint Task Force Alpha's efforts against human smuggling.
The court heard evidence showing Felipe Orduna-Torres and Armando Gonzalez-Ortega were part of an organization that loaded 66 migrants into a tractor trailer without proper air conditioning. As temperatures soared on June 27, 2022, many inside lost consciousness or attempted escape. By arrival in San Antonio, 48 had died; five more succumbed later. The group charged each migrant $12,000 to $15,000 for this perilous journey from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Both men were convicted on multiple counts related to transporting illegal aliens resulting in death and serious injury. They face potential life sentences during their upcoming sentencing hearing.
Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco was extradited following extensive collaboration between U.S. and Guatemalan authorities. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman described his extradition as pivotal in dismantling a large human smuggling network: “Just as we’ve shown throughout the trial of Orduna-Torres and Gonzalez-Ortega, we will continue to prosecute this case aggressively.”
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aggressively targets human smugglers,” added Special Agent Craig Larrabee of ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio.
Miranda-Orozco allegedly facilitated travel for four migrants who paid up to $15,000 each for passage from Guatemala through Mexico to the U.S., with three perishing en route. Arrested in August 2024 after coordinated operations across Guatemala, he faces charges including conspiracy and aiding bringing aliens into the U.S., resulting in death or serious injury.
These legal actions result from Joint Task Force Alpha's coordinated efforts with DHS against transnational criminal organizations involved in human trafficking across several countries. Since its inception, JTFA has achieved numerous arrests and convictions while dismantling such networks.
The investigation saw collaboration among various agencies including HSI San Antonio and HSI Guatemala along with other law enforcement bodies providing critical support throughout this complex case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Fuchs, Sarah Spears, Amanda Brown are prosecuting Orduna-Torres’ and Gonzalez-Ortega’s cases while Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion alongside Assistant U.S Attorney Jose Luis Acosta handles Miranda-Orozco’s prosecution with assistance from HRSP Historian Joanna Crandall.
Acknowledging crucial contributions made by Guatemalan partners instrumental during Miranda-Orozco’s arrest underscores international cooperation essential for justice delivery.
An indictment remains an allegation until guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt within judicial proceedings.