U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently intervened in an attempted smuggling incident involving a young child in Yuma, Arizona. On April 29, border officials apprehended a woman attempting to smuggle a 5-year-old boy identified as "John Doe." The child's mother allegedly paid a smuggler to transport him illegally into the United States.
The CBP collaborated with the Mexican Consulate to locate the child's mother, a 24-year-old residing in Veracruz, Mexico. She later presented herself at the San Luis Port of Entry to reclaim her child. The mother claimed that the smuggler had coordinated with the child's father for the drop-off. However, investigators learned from the child that he was being taken to live with an unknown man.
Francisco B. Burrola, ICE Homeland Security Investigation Arizona Special Agent in Charge, stated: "The smuggling of unaccompanied alien children is among the most vile and inhumane crimes imaginable." He further commented on the mother's actions: "Even more vile, in this case, the child’s own mother handed him over to strangers—mules—who attempted to smuggle him into the U.S. using fake identity documents."
During an interview with ICE HSI special agents, it was revealed that Gloria Lopez Corona was paid by the boy's mother to bring him into the United States. The mother also planned to enter illegally on April 30 to join her husband, who has a history of illegal entry into the U.S.
Burrola added: “The mother and father in this case are actively violating U.S. border laws and undermining our nation’s security.” He noted that trusting criminal networks with a child is both reckless and tragic.
ICE HSI works with law enforcement partners to combat human smuggling by disrupting criminal networks involved in such activities. They use their expertise to seize assets and eliminate profit incentives while working with organizations to protect victims.
Anyone suspecting involvement or victimization related to human smuggling or trafficking is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or call ICE's Tip Line.
