The alleged leader of an organization human trafficking based in Guatemala He pleaded guilty this Thursday for his participation in the migrant smuggling incident deadliest in US historywhich left 53 undocumented immigrants killed and 11 injuredin San Antonio, Texas.
Rigoberto Ramón Miranda Orozco pleaded guilty to several charges of conspiracy to illegally introduce to immigrants to the United States resulting in death.
The incident occurred on June 27, 2022 when 66 undocumented They were trafficked in a truck without ventilation from Mexico to the USA when the thermometer showed outside more than 38 degrees Celsius. By the time the vehicle reached Saint Anthony,Texas, 48 migrants had already died.
Others five migrants died after being transferred to local hospitals. Six children and a pregnant woman They were among the deceased.
Miranda Orozco admitted having organized transportation and the accommodation of several immigrants in Guatemala, Mexico and the United Statesaccording to court documents.
In August 2024, the Guatemalan was arrested in Guatemala at the request of USA for his extradition.
His arrest was part of a large-scale operation during which the forces of the Guatemalan order They executed multiple search and arrest warrants throughout the country. The man was extradited of Guatemala in March 2025.
The sentence of Miranda Orozco is scheduled for October 8 and faces a maximum penalty of life sentence.
“Miranda Orozco was a key organizer in a complex network of human trafficking that prioritized profits and put into practice danger to people”Deputy Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated in a statement.
The prosecutor added that the case shows that the immigration crimes and human trafficking have consequences “powerful”.
Two men have already been sentenced in this case: Felipe Orduña Torres was sentenced to life imprisonment and Armando González Ortega He was sentenced to 83 years in prison. Together they face financial fines of $250,000 each.
The truck driver, Homero Zamorano Jr.., who pleaded guilty to charges related to the tragedyawaits sentence.