Feds charge 4 people with operating 'one of the largest human smuggling rings' in the US
Feds charge 4 people with operating 'one of the largest human smuggling rings' in the US
Show Caption
Hide Caption
What we know: How far can immigration officials go under new laws?
From executive orders on birthright citizenship to deputizing federal agents, how far can immigration laws go? Here's what we know.
Four men have been charged with operating a criminal organization that allegedly smuggled thousands of people without legal status from Guatemala to the U.S. over five years, federal authorities announced Monday.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally called the criminal network "one of the largest human smuggling rings in the nation," during a news conference Monday. Prosecutors claimed that the organization transported about 20,000 people into Los Angeles and Phoenix from 2019 through July 2024.
The organization is also accused of holding some of the immigrants hostage in stash houses and is responsible for the deaths of seven people — including a 4-year-old child — who were killed in a November 2023 car crash in Oklahoma, according to prosecutors.
All four defendants were identified as Guatemalan nationals who resided in Los Angeles-area neighborhoods, including Westlake, downtown Los Angeles, and South Los Angeles. They were all in the country without legal permission at the time of the alleged crimes, prosecutors said.
The four defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally bring people to the U.S., transporting people illegally in the U.S., and harboring people without legal status in the U.S. for private financial gain and resulting in death, according to prosecutors. The defendants each face a maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment if convicted on all charges.
"These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills," McNally said in a statement. "Their members pose a danger to the public and law enforcement ... The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country's largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations."
'Specialized in the smuggling of illegal immigrants'
Prosecutors said authorities arrested two alleged leaders of the criminal organization in Los Angeles on Friday and a judge ordered them to be held without bond. Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, known as "Turko," and his alleged right-hand man, Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, both pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to stand trial on April 22.
According to an indictment unsealed Friday, prosecutors named Renoj-Matul as the leader of the criminal network. The organization has allegedly operated for at least a dozen years and "specialized in the smuggling of illegal immigrants from Guatemala to the United States ... and the harboring, concealing, and shielding of illegal immigrants."
The indictment alleged that Renoj-Matual was assisted by associates in Guatemala who solicited people by taking payments of between $15,000 and $18,000 to be smuggled into the U.S.
Prosecutors added that Mexican smuggling organizations helped transport the immigrants through Mexico and across the U.S.-Mexico border into Arizona, where people would be held in stash houses before they were picked up by Renoj-Matul's lieutenants.
For an additional fee, the immigrants were transported and moved to various locations in the country, such as Los Angeles and Phoenix, according to prosecutors. Some immigrants who were unable to pay the fees were held hostage in a stash house in the Westlake neighborhood, prosecutors said.
"Renoj-Matul directed that the transportation of proceeds from human smuggling be transported from Los Angeles to Phoenix, where they were given to the Mexican smuggling organization to pay the expenses incurred by Renoj-Matul's transnational criminal organization," according to prosecutors.
The indictment further alleged that from April 2024 to July 2024, Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj held hostage two victims and threatened to kill the victims until third parties paid for their release. The two have also been charged with two counts of hostage-taking, according to prosecutors.
'Sense of fear': People are becoming wary of hospitals, leaving waiting rooms empty and doctors concerned
Indictment: Man threatened to 'cut off' the head of an officer
Prosecutors also charged Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, also known as "Xavi," and Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj. Obispo-Hernandez was identified as another lieutenant in the criminal organization and is believed to be in Guatemala.
Obispo-Hernandez faces charges in a separate federal criminal complaint filed on Sunday, according to prosecutors. The indictment accuses Obispo-Hernandez of threatening to "cut off the heads of a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force officer and members of his family."
Obispo-Hernandez allegedly made those threats on Friday while search warrants were being executed at his residence, prosecutors said.
Meanwhile, Paxtor-Oxlaj is currently being held in Oklahoma for his involvement in the fatal Oklahoma car crash, according to prosecutors.
"In November 2023, Paxtor-Oxlaj caused a car accident in Elk City, Oklahoma, while he was smuggling illegal immigrants from New York to Los Angeles," prosecutors said. "That car accident resulted in the deaths of seven people who were passengers in the vehicle he drove. Of the seven people killed, three were minors, including a 4-year-old child."
Paxtor-Oxlaj was arrested and charged with being an immigrant without legal status in the U.S. following removal, prosecutors said. He had been previously removed from the country in 2010 and did not have legal permission to re-enter the U.S.
'Traumatized by the spectacle': Trump's expanded ICE raids are causing big problems for some schools
Charges come amid Trump administration's crackdown on immigration
Monday's announcement comes amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration, which includes a growing number of ICE raids across the country and the suspension of the CBP One app that allowed migrants to apply for immigration appointments.
After taking office on Jan. 20, Trump almost immediately signed a flurry of executive orders tied to illegal immigration and refugee admissions. The president is also attempting to end birthright citizenship, contrary to the 14th Amendment.
The president has repeatedly said his administration will prioritize deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. ICE has reported that it has arrested thousands of people since around Jan. 23, USA TODAY previously reported.
In recent weeks, numerous demonstrations have popped up across the nation opposing Trump's immigration policies and other controversial actions.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
California U.S. Senator Alex Padilla Manhandled Out of DHS Secretary L.A. Presser, Cuffed
California U.S. Senator Alex Padilla Manhandled Out of DHS Secretary L.A. Presser, Cuffed originally appeared on L.A. Mag. United States Senator Alex Padilla was manhandled out of a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Thursday in Los Angeles and hurled to the floor by federal agents who handcuffed him after he yelled out: "I have questions."Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, showed up as Noem was engaged in a press conference that ratcheted up rhetoric targeting Democratic leaders of Los Angeles, in particular Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. As she spoke, Padilla identified himself and said "I have questions for the secretary." Before he could continue, the senator was flanked by agents in plainclothes and hustled out into the hallway where he was thrown to the floor and handcuffed by FBI agents. The encounter sparked outrage from Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom who posted on X: "If they can handcuff a U.S. Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you." The incident took place as Noem took aim at demonstrators who have engaged in violence against law enforcement and extensive vandalism that had marred much of DTLA including public buildings, parks, and the the Japanese community of Little Tokyo. She also ratcheted up the ugly rhetoric that continues to be leveled at Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. 'We are not going away. We are staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and burdensome leadership that this Governor Newsom and this mayor placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into this city,'' Noem said. She later said that she called Padilla, who was not charged, and had a conversation. "After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes," she wrote on X. "We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchanged phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country."That explanation was not enough for Democratic leaders who took to the floor of the U.S. Senate on Capitol Hill to express their outrage. Among the lawmakers who made a statement was Cory Booker, the U.S. Senator from New Jersey. "A United States Senator in his own see him being thrown to the ground," Booker said. "This to me is such an abuse of authority, it is a violent act, and there can be no justification of seeing a senator forced to their knees, laid flat on the ground, their hands twisted behind their back, and being put into restraints." Padilla was not arrested in the incident. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Teacher sued for allegedly giving Denver middle school students marijuana brownies
DENVER (KDVR) — The parents of two 12-year-old students in the Denver Public School district are suing a language arts teacher, accusing her of baking and distributing marijuana-laced brownies to the two children. Sharon Wilson, a 6th-grade language arts teacher at Kepner Beacon Middle School, is accused in a civil lawsuit of placing 'her students in direct danger after she personally baked and distributed home-made brownies laced with tetrahydrocannabinol,' or THC, the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. Denver Public Schools will not close additional schools in 2025 The lawsuit alleges that Wilson held a writing contest for her 6th-grade class and, instead of providing a 'typical prize,' she gave them the laced brownies on June 4, 2024. The lawsuit says that the teacher admitted to 'making the brownies for' the two minors. The lawsuit alleges the two children ate the brownies and soon thereafter, 'began to feel sick and strange with symptoms including: difficulty walking, difficulty focusing, and overall feeling like something was happening to their bodies that they did not understand.' Both students required help making it out to their parents' vehicles at the end of the day, the complaint alleges. The lawsuit states that one of the children's mothers first thought her child had eaten peanuts, resulting in an allergic reaction, and texted Wilson to get more information. '(Wilson) responded via text message, admitting she did make the brownies because (the students) won (Wilson's) contest,' the lawsuit states. A screenshot of the text message exchange is included in the lawsuit, showing that the mother said her child was exhibiting 'red eyes' and dizziness, and asking what ingredients were in the brownies. Denver changes its mind and will keep center that aids homeless open afterall 'They are from scratch,' Wilson responded, in part. 'Maybe it is the unsweetened chocolate? I also use sugar, flour, Mexican vanilla, salt, baking soda, eggs.' 'Another student had one too, they made the most words with Greek and Latin roots, so they won the prize,' Wilson continued in her text with the parent. 'The other student hasn't reported any allergy symptoms. I'm so sorry, it sounds like an allergic reaction.' Both students were independently taken to urgent care that day, according to the lawsuit. Blood tests reportedly showed that each child had THC levels in their system. The Colorado Bureau of Investigations reportedly tested the brownies and found they did have marijuana. Denver Public Schools provided a statement about the teacher to FOX31 on Thursday. Middle school teacher Sharon Wilson was placed on paid administrative leave at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. This is standard procedure for Denver Public Schools until a matter is resolved. Wilson separated from DPS in August 2024, before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Personnel information is confidential therefore, we cannot provide further details on this situation. Denver Public Schools FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Wilson is also facing a criminal case in the matter out of Denver County Court, the parents alleged in their lawsuit, saying she faces a charge of misdemeanor child abuse. The parents are seeking a jury trial to determine compensation for pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, and other damages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Analysis: America is heading down a dark road as fury boils over in California
America seems headed to an angry and ugly place. Inflammatory incidents, rhetoric and dissent unleashed by President Donald Trump's tough immigration crackdown are inexorably building political pressure as a polarized nation barrels into the heat of summer. Stunning scenes in Los Angeles on Thursday, when Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla was manhandled out of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's news conference and handcuffed, epitomized a dark turn taken this week in California. But there's no sign yet of a path back from the brink before cascading confrontations and protests turn violent or even tragic. If anything, the crisis is deepening. The administration, led by a president determined to use every instrument of power — including a tamed Justice Department and the military — to enforce his will, is vowing to go harder, stronger and faster to target undocumented migrants. Even those here legally are not immune. The White House on Thursday told half a million Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans and Nicaraguans here on humanitarian parole they must return to their unstable, poverty-stricken home countries. Trump's extremism is now stirring a counter-reaction ahead of a weekend that will see hundreds of 'No Kings' demonstrations in cities and towns, and after he warned against protests at a US Army 250th anniversary parade Saturday that will bolster his dictator's schtick on his 79th birthday. A president who pledged to use the military on 'the enemy from within' said this week he wants troops 'everywhere.' The political battle is also finally being joined by Democrats, stung into finding a voice and cause after their so far desultory efforts to rebuild after their 2024 election fiasco. California was already on edge after Trump defied Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and ordered National Guard troops to the city amid protests and then added a contingent of active-duty US Marines. But the television pictures of government security agents restraining Padilla and pushing him to the ground on Thursday afternoon created an instantly iconic snapshot of the national moment. Some caveats should be noted. Any time a Cabinet official is in public, especially amid heightened political feeling, there is a concern for their safety. The horrific scenes after Trump survived his first assassination attempt last year remain a fresh national trauma. In the light of such experience, security details often act first and without waiting to establish the full context of a situation. It's perfectly possible Noem's agents didn't immediately recognize Padilla, even though he's one of the state's senators. 'I was there peacefully,' Padilla said later amid fierce dispute over his conduct. 'At one point I had a question, and so I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained.' Initially, Noem seemed to realize the incident could become a political liability. She explained that the Secret Service had feared Padilla could be an attacker, so they pushed him away. She said his behavior was 'not appropriate' but said they'd spoken afterward in what sounded like a civil conversation, even swapping phone numbers. But the Trump White House never admits fault and always seeks political vengeance. Noem toughened here message when she headed onto Fox News. 'This man burst into a room, started advancing towards the podium … he … continued to lunge towards the podium,' she said. The Homeland Security secretary's comments were quickly backed up by House Speaker Mike Johnson as the GOP launched a full court-press. 'When they storm cabinet secretaries in a press conference, I think it's wildly inappropriate behavior, and I think it sends a terrible message in tone for the rest of the country,' said a speaker who helped Trump expunge the record of the January 6, 2021, assault by MAGA supporters on the US Capitol. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who has this week accused Democrats of supporting criminals and rioters and demonized undocumented migrants as pedophiles, wrote on X that Padilla should be 'ashamed of his childish behavior.' In a less fraught time, Padilla might have acted with more discretion and the White House would have worked to mitigate the incident's impact on America's fragile psyche. But this is 2025, five months into Trump's second term. Whatever precipitated the incident in Los Angeles, Padilla's treatment — after he identified himself, when he was shoved out of the room as he tried to ask a question and then shoved face-first to the ground and handcuffed — was unheard-of. The racial overtones of California's first Latino senator being put under such duress will become a metaphor for Trump's ruthless deportation policy. 'They use words like 'lunge' and 'charge.' He is not an animal; he's a US senator,' California's Attorney General Rob Bonta told CNN's Kasie Hunt. In Washington, Democratic senators rushed to the chamber to exploit the moment. Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz warned that his colleague's removal from Noem's briefing was 'the stuff of dictatorships.' Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, who has condemned Trump's use of the military in California, warned in a statement: 'This is America. Dissent should not be met with violence.' Across the Capitol, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Padilla suffered an 'assault.' She added, 'It's a federal offense to attack a member of Congress. … It shouldn't be anybody in our country to be treated this way.' Padilla was the latest official to face harsh action for perceived dissent. Trump administration prosecutors have already indicted a Wisconsin judge and a New Jersey Democratic congresswoman in cases arising from the immigration blitz. But the fact his roughing-up was on camera means it could be a powerful political launching pad for Democrats as they step up resistance to the president. In the initial reaction to Padilla's manhandling, there was just a hint that Democratic senators — part of an always self-reverential body — were most offended that the collective dignity of their august chamber had been affronted. But the quick and unified effort to frame the incident as an example of an encroaching Trump dictatorship suggests that the party might have found an opening at last. In some ways, the spectacle was not that different from the kind of on-camera stunt with viral social media potential that Trump has made a signature and that now dominates the populist Republican Party. A televised speech by Newsom this week finally satisfied the cravings of some Democrats for someone, anyone to take the fight to the president. His Senate colleague will never now be forgotten by Democrats after he introduced himself to the rest of the nation with the Thursday afternoon debacle that lit up cable news. But making a splash is only one of the Democrats' problems. Padilla's show of force does not necessarily point a way out of the conundrum Trump has set for them, namely that their public condemnations of his deportation plan allow the White House to portray them as soft on securing the border. Perhaps more evidence of administration thuggery could hurt Trump — and convince voters he is overreaching and inhumane. But the White House is still sure it's got the winning political hand on immigration. Democrats are also no nearer to producing a coherent policy and electoral position that addresses the public's desire to stem illegal immigration while reconciling liberal constituencies within their own political base. The Biden administration's obliviousness to a long-building crisis and public sentiment has given Trump plenty of political cover. But Thursday's drama poses an even more profound question: Do most Americans — notwithstanding their stark ideological divides — really want to live in a country plagued by ever-worsening conflict and disharmony? If not, Trump could be vulnerable and his iron-fist approach to immigration could end up serving as a microcosm of a destructive presidency. For sure, Trump's base responds to his outlandish rhetoric and strongman vibe. But no one would describe the White House's approach as a modulated effort to solve an immigration issue that has been haunting the nation for years. The crisis has confounded every president since at least Ronald Reagan. But while some commanders in chief have tried to solve it, Trump has been deliberately escalating the confrontation at every opportunity, seemingly to incite maximum discord and political stress. The president and his team argue with some justification that voters chose Trump last November because they were despairing over Biden's negligence at the border. The White House insists that protests cannot be allowed to stop deportations that are needed to keep Americans safe and to deter new waves of migrants that could strain the country's resources, unity and character. But they are also using the language of tyrants and demagogues as they seek to use the deportations to grab more and more power, to repress their political adversaries and even to threaten the choices of Democratic voters. During the news conference that was interrupted by Padilla, Noem warned that the federal government was not 'going away' from Los Angeles. 'We are staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and burdensome leadership that this Governor Newsom and this mayor placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into this city.' Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are the democratically elected representatives chosen by Californians and the citizens of Los Angeles. Noem's comments only reinforced an impression that Trump and his team view Democratic leaders as illegitimate and blue states as enemies within the US. Trump's top domestic policy adviser Stephen Miller has spent the week portraying his boss's political opponents as supporting invasions and rebellions by forces outside the United States. 'America voted for mass deportations,' Miller wrote in one X post this week. 'Violent insurrectionists, and the politicians who enable them, are trying to overthrow the results of the election.' The country needs no reminder that incitement and extreme political language can provoke violence and threaten the rule of law and the foundational democratic principles of the republic. It happened at the end of Trump's first term. Historically, presidents have felt a moral imperative to cool political agitation when it threatens to splinter the nation and to heal such estrangements before they provoke strife and threaten life. Trump's entire political method seems designed to do the opposite.
