The Justice Department has charged 14 people in connection with a major human smuggling operation,
while eight others were arrested for trafficking hundreds of undocumented migrants into the U.S. A grand jury in Las Cruces, New Mexico, indicted the 14 individuals for conspiracy involving the transport, harboring, and illegal entry of migrants. Eight have been arrested.
According to the DOJ, the smuggling network, based in Mexico, trafficked migrants—including unaccompanied minors—through New Mexico and South Texas. Migrants were hidden in stash houses and instructed on how to evade law enforcement. One person reportedly died from heat exposure during a smuggling attempt.
Officials say the network endangered lives for profit and posed a threat to national security. If convicted, each defendant could face up to 10 years in prison. A federal judge will determine sentencing.
