A Phoenix woman recently admitted to her participation in a human smuggling operation that transported and harbored over 100 illegal aliens for profit.
Amalia Gonzalez-Lara, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens for profit, a press release by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said. Her co-conspirator, Sergio Vazquez-Flores, 46, of Goodyear, pleaded guilty to similar charges.
"This case resulted from the efforts of the Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras," according to the press release
Law enforcement agents discovered 20 undocumented individuals on Jan. 12 in a residence in Avondale, Arizona. The house concealed “large numbers of foreign nationals” during the conspiracy, the release said.
The prosecution is being handled by the US Attorney’s office in the District of Arizona, Tucson.
Sentencing for Gonzalez-Lara is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2022, and Vazquez-Flores on Jan. 25, 2022, the release said. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
