The U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, has announced that Maria Mendoza-Mendoza, a leader in human smuggling, pleaded guilty to criminal charges. She is scheduled to appear before a judge for a sentencing hearing on April 2, 2024.

According to a press release from the U.S Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Mendoza-Mendoza, also known as "La Guera", was charged with "Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit". She admitted her involvement in money laundering and human smuggling and confessed to leading an operation that smuggled "over 100 migrants" into the United States from Honduras. The release further stated that Mendoza-Mendoza admitted to using firearms during these operations. In June 2023, she was handed over by the Honduran government to the United States for prosecution. The charge of "Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit" carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years.

A subsequent press release from the U.S Attorney’s Office revealed that Mendoza-Mendoza was caught directing the collection of smuggling fees through phone calls and appeared to have exerted extensive control over her co-conspirators.

The prosecution was led by Joint Task Force Alpha, according to another press release. This task force is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona and other agencies and was established by Attorney General Merrick Garland with the aim of combating major human smuggling and trafficking operations in Central America.

As per information on its website, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona operates across multiple locations under the leadership of Gary Restaino. It faces challenges due to its jurisdiction over a 375-mile border with Mexico and numerous tribal lands where prosecution rates are high.