The Justice Department announced charges against 14 individuals involved in a large-scale human smuggling operation, with eight others arrested for trafficking hundreds of undocumented migrants.
A New Mexico grand jury indicted the group for conspiracy to transport, harbor, and bring illegal aliens into the U.S., including unaccompanied minors.
The DOJ said the operation posed significant risks to migrants and resulted in at least one death from heat exposure. Smugglers allegedly used “stash houses,” instructed migrants on avoiding Border Patrol, and fled from law enforcement.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland Kastrin emphasized dismantling transnational networks that exploit vulnerable individuals. ICE HSI also reaffirmed its commitment to combatting human smuggling.
These arrests follow Trump’s immigration executive orders, which reversed Biden-era policies. If convicted, defendants could face up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge.
