A Honduran national, Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for leading a large-scale alien smuggling operation. This operation spanned three years and involved the illegal entry of thousands of individuals from over 11 countries into the United States. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Del Rio along with various federal and state law enforcement agencies in South Texas.
Mejia-Zuniga, aged 34, was sentenced on July 9 by a federal judge. In addition to his prison term, he will serve three years of supervised release and pay a $4,500 fine. He pleaded guilty to three counts related to bringing aliens into the U.S. for financial gain.
Several co-defendants were involved in this conspiracy. Monica Hernandez-Palma and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing. Genyi Arguenta-Flores received a five-year sentence in May, while another co-defendant is currently held in Mexico pending extradition.
Craig Larrabee, ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the seriousness of human smuggling: “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit.” He noted that the operation undermined border security and lawful immigration processes.
Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division highlighted the financial motivations behind such criminal organizations: “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the U.S.”
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons commented on the national security risks posed by Mejia-Zuniga's actions but acknowledged the successful collaboration with federal law enforcement partners that led to his conviction.
Chief Scott Good from Border Patrol’s Law Enforcement Operations directorate credited their Intelligence and Information Task Force with playing a crucial role in Operation Red Tide through research and analysis.
The smuggling network operated from November 2020 through March 2023, facilitating illegal entries from countries including Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia via Eagle Pass. A Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil coordinated with Mejia-Zuniga for transporting individuals to the U.S., charging between $6,500 to $12,000 per person.
The organization utilized stash houses in Monterrey and Piedras Negras before guiding groups across the Rio Grande River into San Antonio.
Operation Red Tide involved HSI Del Rio working closely with multiple agencies including U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector and HSI Monterrey among others.
Prosecutors Jenna E. Reed from the Criminal Division’s Human Rights Section and Matt Kass from Texas are handling this case.
The public is encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities through ICE's Tip Line or online form for further information about HSI San Antonio's efforts follow them on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.
