Homeland Security Investigations and other U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies worked together to assist Interpol and the Fuerza Estatal de Seguridad Ciudadana in the arrest of a human smuggler and their alleged accomplice who have allegedly been operating on the U.S.-Mexico border for several years.
The accusations against Ofelia Hernandez-Salas, 60, and accomplice Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 48, which were earlier filed in the district of Arizona and unsealed last week, led to their arrest in Mexico at the request of the U.S., according to a March 23 news release.
“Investigating human smuggling is nothing new for HSI special agents in Arizona, but this case and subsequent arrests abroad stands out as one that was made possible by the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement partners like the U.S. Border Patrol. HSI will not stop investigating human smuggling cases, no matter where in the world these smugglers live, and will continue to do so with the support of our partners,” HSI Arizona Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown said in the release.
Hernandez-Salas and Saucedo-Huipio are accused of working together with other smugglers to make it easier for migrants to enter the U.S. from and through countries like Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico, the release reported.
“Combating human smuggling is one of our top law enforcement priorities and a critical component of national security," ICE’s Deputy Director Tae D. Johnson said in the release. "Homeland Security Investigations special agents are committed to holding transnational criminal organizations accountable for perpetrating this horrific crime. We will continue to employ our full range of law enforcement techniques and authorities against human smugglers — let today’s announcement serve as a reminder that we will expose you, dismantle your networks, and see that you face justice.”
According to the release, migrants allegedly paid Hernandez-Salas and Saucedo-Huipio tens of thousands of dollars for the risky and illegal voyage. Hernandez-Salas and Saucedo-Huipio are accused of regularly robbing migrants while brandishing knives and pistols, in addition to large-scale migrant smuggling.
The Jordan Free Trade Agreement was established in June 2021 by attorney Merrick B. Garland and DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas to support the department's efforts to counter the rise in dangerous and prodigious smuggling coming from Central America and affecting our border towns, the release said.
With a focus on networks that put migrants in danger, mistreat or exploit them, pose risks to national security or engage in other forms of transnational organized crime, JTFA's mission is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, the release reported.
