Leaders of Massive Human Smuggling Ring that Funneled 20K Illegal Migrants from Guatemala to US Arrested; Feds Bust Massive Alleged Guatemalan Human Smuggling Ring Operating Out of California

Leaders of massive human smuggling ring that funneled 20K illegal migrants from Guatemala to US arrested:

The two top leaders of one of the biggest human smuggling rings that funneled 20,000 illegal migrants into the US since 2019 have been arrested in Los Angeles, authorities said.

Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, who was busted Friday, is accused of helming the twisted group, which lured migrants from Guatemala for $15,000 to $18,000 and handed them off to smugglers in Mexico who would bring them into the US.

The feds also collared Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, who prosecutors said was Renoj-Matul’s “right-hand man,” on Friday. The two men are being held without bond.

The ring is accused of holding some of its victims hostage in stash houses and killing seven migrants, including a 4-year-old, according to a federal indictment.

Acting US Attorney Joseph McNally said the indictment and arrests “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,” said McNally.

Some of the smuggled migrants were held hostage in stash houses in Phoenix and Los Angeles until they could pay their fees, officials said.

Once the debt was paid, the group allegedly transported the migrants across the country to at least 20 states, including New York, for an additional fee. —>READ MORE HERE

Feds bust massive alleged Guatemalan human smuggling ring operating out of California:

Operation ringleader is accused of moving 20K illegal immigrants into the US from Guatemala for up to $18K per person

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.” —>READ MORE HERE

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