Four Mexican nationals living unlawfully in the United States have been charged in a human smuggling conspiracy that spanned international borders. Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23, from Kansas City, Kansas; Ignacio Diaz-Perez, 35, from Oakwood, Georgia; Samuel Diaz-Perez, 26, from Dublin, Ohio; and Salvador Diaz-Diaz, 32, from Columbus, Ohio, were indicted with charges related to smuggling aliens from Mexico and other regions through Canada into the U.S. for profit.
"The defendants instructed smuggled aliens to make testimonial videos touting the enterprise’s services," Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, stated. He added that these actions "imperiled their human cargo and innocent American lives."
John A. Sarcone III, United States Attorney, highlighted the importance of securing the northern border and expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Joint Task Force Alpha in dismantling these smuggling networks. Court documents reveal that the smuggling organization operated for two years across Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., involving the transfer of hundreds of aliens each week.
There were several incidents of local and federal law enforcement engaging in high-speed chases with smugglers, putting public safety at risk. These included an April 2023 pursuit initiated when a border sensor detected smugglers and a May 2023 chase ended by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office using a tire deflation device. "They’re alleged to have repeatedly put the public at risk," said Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo.
Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia emphasized that efforts like these ensure that smuggling and illegal entry will lead to apprehension and significant consequences for offenders.
The investigation and arrests were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), a collaboration of various U.S. agencies targeting human smuggling and trafficking networks. JTFA has facilitated more than 360 arrests and over 330 convictions related to such activities.
Jenna Reed, a Trial Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham are prosecuting this case, which is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at eliminating illegal immigration and transnational crime.
Despite the charges, an indictment remains a legal accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
