By Trend News Line 2024-06-10 01:00:27.
**Texas Law Enforcement Officials Bust Human Smuggling Operation Involving Dozens of Migrants**
Last Thursday, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies, successfully dismantled a human smuggling operation that had been ongoing in Texas. The operation involved a long, goose-neck trailer that was intercepted on its way to a rural home outside San Antonio. Sheriff Javier Salazar described the location as an open-air shack, where 26 victims were discovered.
**Seven Suspects Charged With Human Smuggling and Organized Crime**
The suspects involved in the human smuggling operation were identified as Abeldaro Herrera, Rafael Mendoza, Cristobal Eduardo Deleon, Jose Marvin Hernandez, Mario Enrique Elizondo, Vanessa Castillo, and Ismael Hernandez. Herrera, Mendoza, and Deleon were charged with 26 counts of human smuggling, as well as engaging in organized criminal activity. Elizondo, Castillo, and Hernandez were also charged with organized criminal activity. Hernandez faced a separate charge of evading arrest.
**Rescue and Medical Care for Victims**
The 26 victims found inside the trailer were safely secured and provided with medical care. Twelve of the victims were taken to University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and heat-related illnesses. One individual remained in the hospital for further treatment of dehydration and cardiac-related issues. The victims, consisting of 20 men and six women between the ages of 18 and 54, hailed from Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, and Guatemala.
**Seizure of Vehicles and Assistance from Homeland Security Investigations**
Several vehicles driven by the suspects were seized by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations is assisting with the investigation. While questions arose regarding the legal status of the suspects in the U.S., ICE declined to comment on the matter.
**Discovery of Weapons and Cartel Links**
During the investigation, law enforcement officials found multiple bulletproof vests and long rifles behind the residence where the victims were being held. Sheriff Salazar mentioned that the operation appeared to be cartel-related and described the smuggling operation as involving \”big money\”. The presence of weapons and vests in the operation indicated a dangerous and organized criminal enterprise.
**Signs of a Large-Scale Smuggling Operation**
The sheriff’s office received a tip regarding the human smuggling operation, leading to the interception of the trailer and subsequent rescue of the victims. Salazar highlighted the dire conditions in which the victims were found, with no air conditioning, running water, or proper sanitation facilities. The discovery of the weapons and the involvement of multiple individuals pointed towards a sophisticated and well-funded smuggling operation.
**Conclusion**
The successful bust of the human smuggling operation in Texas underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime and protecting vulnerable individuals. The collaboration between different agencies and the swift response to the tip-off resulted in the rescue of 26 victims and the arrest of seven suspects. The investigation into the operation continues, with efforts to dismantle the criminal network responsible for such heinous acts..
1. Texas human smuggling suspects identified
2. Face organized crime charges in Texas human smuggling case.