Mexican media reported that Guatemalan coyote Isaac “N” was sentenced to 18 years in prison in Mexico for being one of those responsible for the death of 56 migrants that were transferred inside a van in Chiapas, Mexico, a fact that was recorded in December 2021.
According to investigations, Isaac was part of a coyote network that transported migrants from Central America to the United States.
The accident occurred on a route between San Cristóbal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, when the driver lost control of the vehicle on a curve. The expert reports determined brake failures and excess speed.
Isaac “N” himself was injured in the accident, which allowed survivors to identify him as one of those responsible.
Mexican authorities indicated that two other people linked to the case are still awaiting sentencing.
More Guatemalan coyotes arrested
In this same case, six more Guatemalans were captured, members of Los Quino, a coyote network that operated through Facebook to capture their victims.
The detainees were extradited to the United States, where they are waiting for the trial against them to begin.
Investigations identify the structure as Los Quino, made up of six Guatemalans from the same family.
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The US authorities attribute to this structure the transfer of at least 160 migrants in the van involved in the Chiapas accident, where 56 people died, including 42 Guatemalans.
In the process, Daniel Zavala Ramos, alleged leader of the coyote network, was identified; Tomás Quino Canil; Alberto Macario Chitic; Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, and Josefa Quino Canil de Zavala.
The case is part of a coordinated investigation between authorities from Guatemala, Mexico and the United States to dismantle transnational networks dedicated to migrant trafficking.