An El Paso, Texas woman, Valerie Perez, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for her involvement in a hostage-taking conspiracy. The case involved the detention and extortion of victims held at an alien smuggling stash house. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with the U.S. Border Patrol and the Otero County Sheriff’s Department.
Jason T. Stevens, special agent in charge of HSI El Paso, stated: “This case reveals a disturbing pattern of criminal organizations taking illegal aliens hostage, holding them for ransom, and terrorizing their families until payment is made, and HSI will continue to pursue those responsible.”
Court documents indicate that on April 4, 2024, agents responded to a tip about individuals being held against their will at a residence in Chaparral, New Mexico. The authorities discovered 10 illegal aliens including three juveniles living under harsh conditions without adequate food or water.
Valerie Perez and her coconspirator Diana Perez were identified as those responsible for detaining the victims who were threatened with harm if they attempted to leave. Family members were contacted and coerced into paying money for their release.
Valerie Perez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit hostage-taking while she was serving supervised release from a previous conviction related to alien smuggling. Upon completing her prison sentence, she will be subject to three additional years of supervised release.
Diana Perez remains in custody awaiting trial which has not yet been scheduled. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting the case.
There is no parole available within the federal system.
