Latest news with #EduardoDomingoRenoj-Matul
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
Feds: 4 accused of smuggling 20K undocumented immigrants from Guatemala into the U.S.
The Brief Federal authorities have charged four defendants with operating one of the largest human smuggling rings in the U.S. The group is accused of smuggling approximately 20,000 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala to the United States. They are also accused of holding individuals hostage, threatening violence, and being responsible for a fatal car crash in Oklahoma in 2023. LOS ANGELES - A major human smuggling ring has been dismantled following a federal investigation, resulting in the indictment of four individuals accused of smuggling approximately 20,000 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala to the United States. The investigation continues as authorities seek additional suspects and connections to criminal cartels. What we know Federal authorities have charged four defendants with operating one of the largest human smuggling rings in the United States. The indictment alleges that the transnational criminal organization smuggled around 20,000 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala to the U.S. via Mexico. The group is accused of holding individuals hostage, threatening violence, and being responsible for a fatal car crash in Oklahoma in 2023, which resulted in seven deaths, including three minors. The ringleader, Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, and his associate, Marsha Char, have been arrested and pleaded not guilty. A trial date is being set. Another defendant, Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, remains a fugitive and is charged with threatening a federal law enforcement officer. A fourth defendant is in custody in Oklahoma related to the fatal accident. What we don't know While the organization has been operating for over a decade, the exact timeframe during which the 20,000 individuals were smuggled remains unclear. Additionally, the percentage of women among the smuggled individuals is not specified. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are still seeking additional suspects and connections to criminal cartels. Timeline The organization has been active for over a decade, with the first contact by Border Patrol agents occurring in 2021. The investigation, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, culminated in a significant takedown on a recent Friday, leading to the arrests and ongoing search for fugitives. The backstory The smuggling organization specialized in transporting undocumented immigrants from Guatemala to the U.S., using stash houses and demanding additional fees for further transportation within the country. Those unable to pay were held hostage, and violence was threatened against their families in Guatemala. The organization laundered money through Los Angeles-based financial institutions. What they're saying Joe McNally, the acting U.S. Attorney, emphasized the organization's disregard for immigration laws and the safety of the smuggled individuals. Deputy Special Agent Duane Engelbrecht highlighted the dangers of human smuggling and the importance of public assistance in combating such crimes. Chief Greg Bovino of the Border Patrol praised the collaborative efforts that led to the dismantling of the organization. What's next The investigation remains active as authorities continue to pursue additional suspects and explore connections to criminal cartels. The public is encouraged to report any information related to smuggling and human trafficking to assist in ongoing efforts to combat these crimes. The Source The information in this article comes from a March 3, 2025 press conference where federal authorities announced the indictment.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
Feds bust massive alleged Guatemalan human smuggling ring operating out of California
Federal agents arrested two Guatemalan men on Friday accused of operating one of the largest human smuggling operations in the United States. The two were picked up near downtown Los Angeles and are accused of moving 20,000 illegal immigrants into the U.S. from Guatemala since 2019. Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj each appeared in federal court hours after their arrests, and a judge ordered each held without bond. If convicted, they could each face the death penalty. "These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills," said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. "The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country's largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations. This work saves lives, and the members of the organization will now face significant consequences." Previously Deported Guatemalan Man Convicted Of Crimes In Us Arrested In New York Two other men are also charged in the case; Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, who is behind bars in Oklahoma for his role in a 2023 car crash that killed seven migrants – including five from the same family – and Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, who is described as a "lieutenant" in the smuggling operation. Read On The Fox News App "Every day, similar human smuggling organizations put profits ahead of the safety in these reckless and illegal endeavors," said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. "HSI Los Angeles and our partners are committed to continue identifying and dismantling these organizations, so no further lives are lost, and our borders are secure." Prosecutors allege Renoj-Matul, who goes by the name Turko, was the ringleader of the operation. He was working with counterparts in Guatemala who would charge migrants $15,000 to $18,000 for safe passage to the United States. Once here, the migrants were then charged again for additional transport across the country. Renoj-Matul's indictment alleges migrants under his direction were moved to at least 20 states and Washington, D.C. Guatemala Ready For More Deportations Under Trump, Report Says: 'We Know It's Coming' It is believed that migrants who did not pay were held hostage in a stash house in the same Los Angeles neighborhood where Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj were arrested. In one incident last year, prosecutors alleged Renoj-Matul called the mother of a migrant he was holding hostage and threatened that she "would come home in a box" if her smuggling fees were not paid. Obispo-Hernandez remains at large and faces additional charges for threatening to cut off the head of a Homeland Security Investigations officer who served a search warrant at his house on article source: Feds bust massive alleged Guatemalan human smuggling ring operating out of California
Fox News
03-03-2025
- Fox News
Feds bust massive alleged Guatemalan human smuggling ring operating out of California
Federal agents arrested two Guatemalan men on Friday accused of operating one of the largest human smuggling operations in the United States. The two were picked up near downtown Los Angeles and are accused of moving 20,000 illegal immigrants into the U.S. from Guatemala since 2019. Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj each appeared in federal court hours after their arrests, and a judge ordered each held without bond. If convicted, they could each face the death penalty. "These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills," said acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally. "The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country's largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations. This work saves lives, and the members of the organization will now face significant consequences." Two other men are also charged in the case; Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, who is behind bars in Oklahoma for his role in a 2023 car crash that killed seven migrants – including five from the same family – and Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, who is described as a "lieutenant" in the smuggling operation. "Every day, similar human smuggling organizations put profits ahead of the safety in these reckless and illegal endeavors," said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. "HSI Los Angeles and our partners are committed to continue identifying and dismantling these organizations, so no further lives are lost, and our borders are secure." Prosecutors allege Renoj-Matul, who goes by the name Turko, was the ringleader of the operation. He was working with counterparts in Guatemala who would charge migrants $15,000 to $18,000 for safe passage to the United States. Once here, the migrants were then charged again for additional transport across the country. Renoj-Matul's indictment alleges migrants under his direction were moved to at least 20 states and Washington, D.C. It is believed that migrants who did not pay were held hostage in a stash house in the same Los Angeles neighborhood where Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj were arrested. In one incident last year, prosecutors alleged Renoj-Matul called the mother of a migrant he was holding hostage and threatened that she "would come home in a box" if her smuggling fees were not paid. Obispo-Hernandez remains at large and faces additional charges for threatening to cut off the head of a Homeland Security Investigations officer who served a search warrant at his house on Friday.
