A major enforcement operation on Wednesday resulted in the arrest of a key figure in a human smuggling network based in Guatemala, following extensive collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and international partners. The smuggling network was responsible for a tragic mass casualty event in June 2022, when 53 migrants perished in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas. Among the deceased were 21 Guatemalans.
The operation was part of an ongoing investigation under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was created in June 2021 by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to combat human smuggling originating from Central America.
Guatemalan authorities, working closely with U.S. law enforcement, executed multiple search and arrest warrants across Guatemala on August 21. One of the key arrests made was of Guatemalan national Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, who has been indicted in the Western District of Texas for his alleged role in the smuggling operation. Miranda-Orozco, 47, is charged with six counts related to migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious injury. He faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
The indictment alleges that Miranda-Orozco conspired with other smugglers to transport four Guatemalan migrants through Mexico and into the United States. Three of those migrants tragically died inside the overheated tractor-trailer, while a fourth suffered severe injuries. Miranda-Orozco allegedly charged the migrants’ families between $12,000 and $15,000 for the perilous journey.
“Smugglers prey on migrants and seek profits with complete disregard for human life, as we saw in this tragic incident that killed 53 people,” said Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. “We will continue to work alongside our federal and international partners to dismantle these sophisticated smuggling networks at every level.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the commitment of U.S. law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. “With these arrests, the Justice Department and our partners in Guatemala have now arrested a total of 14 people for their alleged involvement in this tragedy,” Garland said. “We are committed to continuing to work with our partners to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling groups.”
The San Antonio tragedy underscored the dangers of human smuggling, as migrants were packed into a trailer lacking air conditioning during the sweltering Texas summer. By the time the trailer was discovered, 48 migrants had already died, with five more succumbing to their injuries after being transported to local hospitals. Among the victims were six children and a pregnant woman.
Wednesday’s operation marks a significant milestone in the efforts of JTFA to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling networks across Central America and the United States. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco reiterated the importance of this ongoing work, stating, “We will not rest in our efforts to disrupt the smuggling networks that capitalize on desperation and foster misery throughout the Western Hemisphere.”
In addition to the arrest of Miranda-Orozco, six other individuals were arrested as part of the operation and will face charges in Guatemala. The JTFA, which involves extensive collaboration between U.S. and international law enforcement, has made significant strides in disrupting these criminal organizations, targeting those who exploit migrants and endanger lives for financial gain.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, which has led the prosecution efforts, has already charged seven other defendants connected to the San Antonio incident. Four of them have pleaded guilty.
The investigation and enforcement actions were spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with crucial support from law enforcement agencies across Central America. This transnational effort continues to be a top priority as U.S. authorities seek to hold accountable those responsible for these heinous crimes.
This operation is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the U.S. government and its international partners to combat human smuggling and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation and harm.
