A Mexican national has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his involvement in an alien smuggling operation that resulted in a death, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The individual, identified as Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo, pleaded guilty on April 3.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed down the sentence and noted that Antonio-Arredondo, who is not a U.S. citizen, is likely to face removal proceedings after completing his prison term.
Antonio-Arredondo's role in the smuggling event involved acting as a river guide on July 12, 2024. He guided an illegal alien and another guide across the river to the border wall before returning to Mexico. After crossing into the United States, the illegal alien experienced breathing difficulties and collapsed. The accompanying brush guide fled to evade law enforcement.
Authorities discovered the incapacitated individual and transported him to a hospital where he later died on July 17, 2024.
Antonio-Arredondo will remain in custody until he is transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts from various Department of Justice task forces.
