Two men have been convicted for their involvement in a 2022 alien smuggling incident in San Antonio, Texas, which resulted in 53 deaths and injuries to 11 individuals. A third man, implicated in the same event, has been extradited from Guatemala to face charges in the United States. The investigation is led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with support from various law enforcement agencies.
Felipe Orduna-Torres, known by aliases such as Cholo and Negro, and Armando Gonzalez-Ortega, also known as El Don, were found guilty of participating in the mass casualty smuggling operation. Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco was extradited following cooperation between U.S. and Guatemalan authorities. He is accused of leading a Guatemala-based smuggling organization.
“These convictions and extradition represent the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting the leaders...of alien smuggling networks," stated Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.
The trial revealed that Orduna-Torres and Gonzalez-Ortega conspired to transport approximately 66 migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border using a tractor-trailer without functioning air conditioning. The journey ended tragically on June 27, 2022, when rising temperatures led to many losing consciousness inside the trailer; 48 migrants died en route to San Antonio, while five others succumbed after reaching hospitals.
Orduna-Torres and Gonzalez-Ortega face life sentences after being convicted of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death among other charges. Their sentencing is scheduled for June 27.
“The extradition of Miranda-Orozco...is a major step in the takedown of a large...human smuggling organization,” commented acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas.
Craig Larrabee from ICE Homeland Security Investigations noted that "these verdicts reflect the scope and depth of our human smuggling investigations."
Miranda-Orozco allegedly charged families $12,000 to $15,000 for facilitating travel through Mexico into the United States; he faces multiple counts related to bringing aliens into the country resulting in death or serious injury.
Arrested in August 2024 at U.S.'s request during a coordinated operation across Guatemala, Miranda-Orozco appeared in court on March 17 following his indictment unsealing post-arrest.
The prosecution teams include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Fuchs, Sarah Spears, Amanda Brown for Orduna-Torres' case; Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion alongside Assistant U.S Attorney Jose Luis Acosta are handling Miranda-Orozco's proceedings with aid from Joanna Crandall specializing on Latin America matters within HRSP Section.
This case highlights efforts by ICE HSI San Antonio along with several federal agencies working towards public safety enhancement across South Texas communities.
Charges remain allegations until proven otherwise beyond reasonable doubt according to legal standards.
