Alexander M.M. Uballez U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
A Florida man has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The sentencing follows a high-speed chase and arrest in southern New Mexico.
The incident occurred on July 15, 2024, when Border Patrol agents observed Omar Ozuna-Berneda, a Cuban national and lawful permanent resident, driving a white tractor-trailer on New Mexico State Road 26 near Deming. The vehicle had been previously seen traveling with other tractor-trailers involved in unsuccessful smuggling attempts. When agents attempted to stop the vehicle, Ozuna-Berneda led them on a high-speed pursuit, swerving into oncoming traffic and driving on the highway shoulder to evade capture.
After traveling 22 miles, Ozuna-Berneda abandoned the vehicle near Hatch, New Mexico, blocking both lanes of traffic. Agents discovered 31 illegal aliens locked inside the trailer, including an unaccompanied eight-year-old child. Ozuna-Berneda was later found hiding in brush several miles from the scene.
During questioning, he admitted to transporting illegal aliens from Las Cruces to Albuquerque for payment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin stated: “Those who violate our immigration laws by engaging in human smuggling endanger both the public and law enforcement through their reckless actions.” He emphasized the commitment to enforcing immigration laws and prosecuting those involved in smuggling networks.
U.S. Border Patrol Interim Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar added: “If you aid in violating U.S. immigration laws by attempting to smuggle individuals into the United States, we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent possible.”
Upon release from prison, Ozuna-Berneda will undergo three years of supervised release.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector.
The case was investigated by U.S. Border Patrol with assistance from Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Land Management and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joni Autrey Stahl.
