Couple Arrested for Operating Sex Trafficking Ring in Louisiana

A husband and wife, Murillo Lazano-Vargas and Zabdi Danea Guzman-Diaz, have been charged with running a sophisticated human trafficking operation in Louisiana. Both are previously deported immigrants from Mexico and have extensive criminal records.

According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the charges include promoting prostitution, force trafficking, and pandering, as reported by local station WAFB. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the couple, being in the U.S. illegally, had been deported before and is suspected of establishing an illegal brothel.

“On November 6, ICE Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant as part of a human trafficking investigation,” a DHS spokesperson informed the Daily Caller News Foundation. “During this operation, three victims were rescued from their captors.”

“Our gratitude goes out to the courageous individuals of ICE,” the spokesperson added. “These human traffickers are now off the streets. This is part of our ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks,” they continued.

WAFB reported that local law enforcement began investigating a man known as “Primo,” later revealed to be Lazano-Vargas, back in January. He was reportedly managing a residence in the Baton Rouge area where prostitution and human trafficking were occurring. Allegedly, he used WhatsApp to send explicit images of women to arrange meetings with clients, and his wife was identified as a co-conspirator.

Lazcano-Vargas has a history of convictions including domestic and child abuse, while Guzman-Diaz has been found guilty of illegal entry, as per the DHS.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreau expressed pride in the efforts of local detectives and partnering agencies in apprehending the suspects. “Human trafficking is one of the most horrific crimes we face, and rescuing these victims demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies collaborate to protect vulnerable people and ensure justice,” he said.

This arrest represents the second major operation against sex trafficking involving undocumented immigrants in Baton Rouge this month. ICE, in collaboration with local law enforcement, recently arrested three Hondurans accused of exploiting several women in a similar scheme.

Advocacy groups highlight that many of the leads involved in these operations were facilitated by the utilization of WhatsApp by undocumented immigrants. The victims reportedly came from various countries, including Colombia and Guatemala.

In light of recent incidents, Louisiana’s Republican Governor Jeff Landry has signed a partnership agreement that allows state police to enforce federal immigration laws, promoting what is dubbed “Operation Go.” This initiative is intended to help local authorities identify and remove criminal illegal immigrants.

“If you’re in the country illegally and commit a crime, you will face deportation or imprisonment,” Landry stated, emphasizing the law and order approach his administration is taking.