A father and son from Reno have been charged in a human smuggling conspiracy, appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Carla L. Baldwin on Tuesday. Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada stated, "The criminal complaint alleges the father and son conspired to exploit vulnerable individuals for profit." Fahami emphasized that such operations pose a threat to national security.
Homeland Security Investigations Las Vegas acting Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. commented on the operation's significance: "A collaborative operation of this scale demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven investigations, followed by coordinated law enforcement action."
The allegations indicate that Carlos Recinos-Valdez, 43, and his son Kevin Recinos-Ruano, 20, were involved in harboring illegal aliens from July 2021 to March 11, 2025. A search at Recinos-Valdez’s residence uncovered firearms and fraudulent documents.
Recinos-Valdez is accused of working with a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) to smuggle individuals through Guatemala, Mexico, and into the United States. He reportedly housed these individuals in Reno-area apartment complexes and demanded payment for their debts to the TCO. Failure to pay allegedly resulted in threats of violence.
Recinos-Valdez faces multiple charges including conspiracy to harbor aliens and aiding attempted interference with commerce by extortion. His son is charged with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.
If convicted, Recinos-Valdez could face up to 20 years in prison while Recinos-Ruano faces up to 10 years. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering various guidelines.
This case follows an HSI-led investigation supported by local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Keenan is prosecuting.
It should be noted that a complaint is merely an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.