Major Arrests in Human Smuggling Ring Operating from Guatemala to U.S.
Federal authorities arrested two leaders of a criminal organization suspected of smuggling 20,000 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala into the U.S. over five years.
Overview
Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj were arrested for leading a human smuggling ring that transported 20,000 undocumented migrants from Guatemala to the U.S., resulting in multiple fatalities. The organization charged fees between $15,000 and $18,000 for passage, often holding migrants hostage in stash houses if payments were not made. The operation has been linked to a deadly vehicle crash in Oklahoma that killed seven, including a child. All four defendants face serious charges, including conspiracy and hostage-taking, and could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
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Associated Press·4M·FAQ
The leaders arrested were Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj.
The organization is accused of smuggling approximately 20,000 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala into the U.S.
Migrants who could not pay were often held hostage in stash houses, with threats of violence against them or their families.
If convicted, the defendants could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
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