Joint operation in EP area results in arrest of human smugglers, 117 undocumented immigrants
Special agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Border Patrol arrested 18 alleged human smugglers and seized cash, vehicles and more than 1,000 lbs. of marijuana in a joint operation last month.
The agents worked together to identify, locate and arrest the alleged smugglers operating in southern New Mexico and the El Paso area.
42-year-old Elias Serrano and 25-year-old Jesus Briseño, both U.S. citizens, were among the alleged smugglers arrested and charged in connection to the operation.
Investigators said Serrano had prior convictions for aggravated stalking, kidnapping, possession a deadly weapon and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Briseño had prior convictions for escape from custody, possession of marijuana, assault causing injury to family member and driving while intoxicated.
During the operation, agents also arrested 117 undocumented immigrants. Among them:
A 34-year-old Guatemalan with an outstanding warrant out of Florida for driving under the influence, also charged with illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation; A 30-year-old Mexican with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, arrested for fraud and misuse of visas; and A 32-year-old Mexican with convictions for child endangerment and driving while intoxicated, arrested for illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation.
Investigators said the operation resulted in the arrest of undocumented immigrants in three area stash houses from the following countries: Mexico (93), Guatemala (12), Honduras (6), Brazil (3), El Salvador (2) and Peru (1).
The seizures included nine vehicles, three tractor-trailers and $20,000 in U.S and Mexican currency.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to vigorously pursue members of transnational criminal networks that exploit and endanger people they smuggle into our country,” said Jack P. Staton, special agent in charge of HSI El Paso. “These smugglers are driven by human greed and heartlessness. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, such as Border Patrol, to maintain the integrity of our border and nation’s immigration laws.”
“This is a great example of the dedication and cooperation among area law enforcement agencies working towards the shared goals of securing our borders, protecting our local communities and our nation,” said Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Chris T. Clem, U.S. Border Patrol-El Paso Sector.
