On Wednesday, extensive coordination between the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and domestic and international partners resulted in a major enforcement operation that dismantled a human smuggling network based in Guatemala. In June 2022, this network smuggled people into the United States on a journey that ended with the deaths of 53 migrants in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas. Twenty-one of the deceased migrants were Guatemalan.
This case is part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), created by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to strengthen U.S. enforcement efforts against human smuggling emanating from Central America.
On Aug. 21, Guatemalan law enforcement executed multiple search and arrest warrants across Guatemala, working together with United States law enforcement agents. At the request of the United States, Guatemalan authorities arrested Guatemalan national Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, who has been indicted in the Western District of Texas in connection with the investigation. Six individuals arrested as part of the operation will be charged locally in Guatemala.
Miranda-Orozco, 47, whose indictment was unsealed today, allegedly conspired with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of four migrants from Guatemala through Mexico and ultimately to the United States. He allegedly charged the migrants or their families and friends approximately $12,000 to $15,000 for the journey. The indictment alleges that three of these migrants perished in the tractor-trailer and that the fourth suffered serious bodily injury. Miranda-Orozco is charged with six counts related to migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious bodily injury. He faces maximum penalties of life in prison.
“Smugglers prey on migrants and seek profits with complete disregard for human life,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “The men and women at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) work every day to disrupt these sophisticated smuggling networks.”
Attorney General Garland stated: “Over the past two years, the Justice Department has worked methodically to hold accountable those responsible for this horrific tragedy.” He added that "the Justice Department and our partners in Guatemala have now arrested a total of 14 people for their alleged involvement."
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco remarked: “In launching Joint Task Force Alpha three years ago... we pledged to hold accountable those responsible." She emphasized that "today’s arrests are a continued fulfillment of that pledge."
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri noted: “This tragedy is a dire warning of dangers caused by exposing migrants to life-threatening conditions for financial gain.”
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza commented: “This significant development demonstrates our commitment...to ensure all 53 migrants who died get their justice.”
HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger said: “Combating this prolific transnational crime is one of our top priorities.”
Senior Official Performing Duties Commissioner Troy A. Miller stated: “Our collective work through Joint Task Force Alpha remains critical to disrupting smuggling operations.”
The human smuggling organization allegedly loaded 65 migrants into a tractor-trailer without functioning air conditioning as it drove north on a Texas interstate; temperatures rose inside, causing some migrants to lose consciousness while others clawed at the walls trying to escape.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas has previously charged seven other defendants involved; four have pleaded guilty.
JTFA aims to disrupt human smuggling networks operating across Central America affecting the U.S., targeting those endangering or exploiting migrants, presenting national security risks, or engaging in organized crime.
Since its creation, JTFA has increased coordination between the DHS Justice Department and its foreign law enforcement partners, targeting impactful organizations by coordinating significant indictments and extradition efforts across the U.S. The measures are supported by various DOJ components led by HRSP and involve multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and DEA, among others.
HSI San Antonio investigated a case assisted by HSI in Guatemala, the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP National Targeting Center, Operation Sentinel, U.S. Border Patrol, ATF San Antonio, Police and Fire Departments, Palestine Police, OIA, and OPDAT.
HRSP Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Luis Acosta, Eric Fuchs, Sarah Spears, and Amanda Brown are prosecuting the case and are assisted by HRSP Historian and Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
