Federal agents have disrupted the operation of a massive human smuggling ring, resulting in two arrests on Friday.
Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj are accused of smuggling Guatemalan migrants into the United States, with feds estimating a total of 20,000 people since 2019. They are currently being held without bond and, if convicted, could actually face the death penalty.
U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally spoke about the operation that dismantled the massive smuggling ring.
“These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills. The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country’s largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations. This work saves lives, and the members of the organization will now face significant consequences,” he said.
Two others, Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj and Helmer Obispo-Hernandez are also being charged in the case. Paxtor-Orlaz is currently imprisoned in Oklahoma for a vehicular collision that resulted in the death of seven immigrants. Obispo-Hernandez was likened to a “lieutenant” in the ring.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco accused those operating the smuggling ring of prioritizing money over the value of human life and safety.
“Every day, similar human smuggling organizations put profits ahead of the safety in these reckless and illegal endeavors,” he said. “HSI Los Angeles and our partners are committed to continue identifying and dismantling these organizations, so no further lives are lost, and our borders are secure.”
It is believed that Renoj-Matul is the head of the operation, charging desperate migrants anywhere between $15,000 to $18,000 for the group’s “services.” The indictment accuses the man of moving the smuggling victims to at least 20 different states.
Federal authorities also claim that those who did not or could not pay were actually kept as hostages in a Los Angeles, California neighborhood where the two men were arrested.
Of those arrested and charged, Obispo-Hernandez is the only suspect who remains at large.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
- Social Security Administration announces new requirement for ID verification - March 19, 2025
- DOJ pushes back at ‘digressive micromanagement’ of interfering judge and his 5 questions - March 19, 2025
- Dem City Council members hold hands, cry during vote against helping ICE, AG follows with swift justice - March 19, 2025
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.