More than a dozen arrests have been made in connection with the tragic deaths of 53 migrants in Texas in 2022. This investigation into the deadliest smuggling attempt from the U.S.-Mexico border has now expanded to Central America after years of diligent work.
Guatemalan authorities have apprehended seven individuals who are believed to have played a role in facilitating the smuggling of migrants. Among those arrested is the suspected mastermind of the smuggling operation, whose extradition has been sought by the United States, according to Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez in an interview with The Associated Press.
The Justice Department had planned to conduct a news conference in San Antonio on Thursday to disclose a “significant” arrest in the case. However, specific information regarding the arrest was not provided.
According to a statement by Guatemalan officials, the arrests were made possible as a result of 13 raids conducted in three of the country’s departments. During the operations, the police not only apprehended individuals involved in the human smuggling ring but also confiscated vehicles and cash. Additionally, other migrants were rescued by the authorities.
According to Jiménez, this initiative aims to dismantle human trafficking networks, which is one of the key priorities for President Bernardo Arévalo’s government in tackling irregular migration. The collaborative efforts involve the Guatemalan police, Homeland Security, and other national agencies.
Previously, six individuals had been charged.
Homero Zamorano Jr., who authorities say operated the truck, and Christian Martinez, both from Texas, were apprehended shortly after the migrants were discovered. Martinez has already admitted guilt to smuggling-related offenses, whereas Zamorano has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial.
In 2023, authorities apprehended four individuals from Mexico.
The men knew about the malfunctioning air-conditioning unit in the trailer. They were aware that it wouldn’t blow cool air to the migrants trapped inside during the hot and sweltering three-hour journey from the border city of Laredo to San Antonio.
When the trailer was opened in San Antonio, 48 migrants had already lost their lives. An additional 16 individuals were transported to hospitals, where unfortunately, five more fatalities occurred. Among the deceased were 27 individuals from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala, and two from El Salvador.
According to authorities, the men were involved in human smuggling operations in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. They collaborated on various aspects of the operations, including sharing routes, guides, stash houses, trucks, and trailers. Some of these resources were kept at a private parking lot in San Antonio.
The migrants had to pay the organization a hefty sum of up to $15,000 each in order to be transported across the border. This fee was inclusive of three potential attempts to successfully enter the country.
Guatemalan authorities have made significant progress in dismantling an alleged criminal network involved in illegal activities. Among those arrested is Rigoberto Román Mirnado Orozco, who is believed to be the ringleader of the group. He was apprehended in San Marcos, a department located on the border with Mexico. Additionally, arrests were also made in Huehuetenango and Jalapa departments, further disrupting the operations of this illicit network.
According to officials, a number of those who were arrested are related to each other and share the same surname, Orozco.
Guatemalan officials have accused the group of housing and transporting hundreds of migrants to the United States for several years.
