Feds Break Up Major Human Smuggling Operation in the U.S. Run by Two Guatemalan Nationals – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
5:37 PM – Monday, March 3, 2024
Federal authorities apprehended two Guatemalan men on Friday, suspected of orchestrating one of the most extensive human smuggling operations within the United States.
The suspects were caught near downtown Los Angeles, facing charges for smuggling at least 20,000 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala into the U.S. since 2019.
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It is important to distinguish between human trafficking and human smuggling.
“Human trafficking pertains to the exploitation of individuals, including men, women, or children, for forced labor or sexual exploitation. In contrast, human smuggling refers to providing a service—usually transportation or fake documentation—to someone who voluntarily seeks illegal entry into a foreign nation,” per ICE.
A judge ordered both Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj to be held without bail during their initial federal court appearance following their arrests. Should they be found guilty, they each face the possibility of the death penalty.
“These smuggling organizations show a blatant disregard for human life, and their actions lead to fatalities,” remarked acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. “The indictment and subsequent arrests have dismantled one of the largest and most perilous smuggling operations in the country, saving lives in the process. The individuals involved will face serious repercussions.”
Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, labeled as a “lieutenant” in the smuggling organization, alongside Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, who is currently imprisoned in Oklahoma due to a 2023 car accident that resulted in the deaths of seven undocumented migrants—including five family members—are also implicated in the case.
“Daily, similar human smuggling operations prioritize profit over safety in these reckless and unlawful activities,” stated Acting Special Agent John Pasciucco of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles. “HSI Los Angeles and our partners remain dedicated to identifying and dismantling these organizations, ensuring that no further lives are jeopardized and our borders are secure.”
Renoj-Matul, also referred to as “Turko,” is alleged to be the mastermind behind the operation, working with associates in Guatemala who charged migrants between $15,000 and $18,000 to cross into the U.S. safely.
Upon arrival, the migrants were charged additional fees for transportation across the country. According to Renoj-Matul’s indictment, undocumented immigrants were sent to a minimum of 20 states and Washington, D.C., under his oversight.
In the same Los Angeles area where Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj were detained, authorities suspect that undocumented immigrants who could not pay their fees were held captive at a stash house.
Prosecutors also alleged that last year, Renoj-Matul threatened to “deliver home in a box” the mother of a migrant in his custody if the smuggling fee was not received.
Obispo-Hernandez remains at large and faces additional charges for allegedly threatening to decapitate a Homeland Security Investigations officer executing a search warrant at his residence on Friday.
“Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn J. Nelson and Elia Herrera from the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is managing the asset forfeiture aspect,” stated the Department of Justice.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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