Feds Bust Massive Human Smuggling Operation—20,000 Illegal Aliens Flooded In [WATCH]

Federal authorities arrested two Guatemalan men in Los Angeles on Friday, alleging they operated one of the largest human smuggling rings in the United States.

The suspects, Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, are accused of illegally moving approximately 20,000 migrants from Guatemala into the U.S. since 2019.

The arrests took place near downtown Los Angeles.

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

Both men appeared in federal court shortly after being taken into custody, where a judge ordered them held without bond.

If convicted, they could face the death penalty.

“These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally.

“The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country’s largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations. This work saves lives, and the members of the organization will now face significant consequences.”

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

Federal prosecutors allege Renoj-Matul, who goes by the alias “Turko,” served as the leader of the smuggling network, coordinating operations with contacts in Guatemala.

According to the indictment, migrants were charged between $15,000 and $18,000 for transport into the United States.

Upon arrival, they were allegedly charged additional fees for further transportation across the country.

Prosecutors claim that under Renoj-Matul’s operation, migrants were smuggled to at least 20 states and Washington, D.C.

Authorities also linked Renoj-Matul’s group to stash houses in Los Angeles where migrants were reportedly held if they failed to pay their smuggling fees.

In one case last year, prosecutors allege that Renoj-Matul called the mother of a migrant he was holding hostage and threatened that she “would come home in a box” if payment was not made.

Two other individuals have been charged in connection with the smuggling operation.

Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj is currently in custody in Oklahoma, serving time for his involvement in a 2023 car crash that killed seven migrants, including five members of the same family.

Another suspect, Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, remains at large. Authorities describe him as a “lieutenant” in the smuggling network.

Obispo-Hernandez is facing additional charges after allegedly threatening to behead a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officer who served a search warrant at his residence on Friday.

“Every day, similar human smuggling organizations put profits ahead of the safety in these reckless and illegal endeavors,” said HSI Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco.

“HSI Los Angeles and our partners are committed to continue identifying and dismantling these organizations, so no further lives are lost, and our borders are secure.”

The arrests mark a significant development in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling networks operating along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Authorities have warned that these operations often exploit vulnerable migrants, leading to dangerous and sometimes deadly situations.

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.