U.S. law enforcement officials announced the arrest of six Guatemalans suspected of involvement in the deaths of more than 50 migrants in incidents related to human smuggling in Mexico.
According to an indictment released Monday, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Guatemalan police arrested four of the suspects in Guatemala. Another suspect was arrested at his home in Cleveland, Texas, and Guatemalan authorities noted a sixth arrest.
“Human smugglers should heed these charges and arrests as a warning. You will be held accountable for deadly crimes.”
The indictment was announced on the third anniversary of a tragic semitrailer truck crash in Chiapas, Mexico, that killed more than 50 migrants, including children. Authorities believe the truck was carrying at least 160 migrants when it overturned and crashed into the Tuxtla Gutierrez pedestrian bridge. Another 100 migrants were injured in the mass casualty incident.
The indictment accuses the suspects of conspiring to smuggle migrants into the United States through Mexico for payment and of being responsible for the crash.
The charges against them include conspiracy, endangering life and causing serious bodily injury. Guatemalan officials said The United States is seeking the extradition of four suspects arrested in Gotemala. He also said the smugglers were part of a criminal organization called Los Kino.
“The tragedy that unfolded in Chiapas three years ago today is further proof that smugglers are ruthless, ruthless and dangerous,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. “DHS will continue to disrupt and dismantle illegal human smuggling operations and help bring those who commit these horrific acts to justice.”
“Human smugglers should heed these charges and arrests as a warning: They will be held accountable for deadly crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland.
Do you like Blaze News? Avoid censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Please register here!
