February 4, 2022Nogales, AZHuman Smuggling/Trafficking
Human smuggling coordinator pleads guilty in Nogales following ICE HSI investigation
TUCSON, Ariz. – A Nogales area man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday in connection to his role as the coordinator for a human smuggling organization operating in southern Arizona. This case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Nogales Office with assistance from United States Border Patrol.
Benjamin Gallegos, 24, of Nogales, Arizona, admitted to conspiring to transport and harbor noncitizens for profit. Specifically, Gallegos managed, organized and coordinated other co-conspirators to drive, provide guide services, and operate stash houses for undocumented persons seeking to be smuggled into the United States. Over the course of the conspiracy, Gallegos coordinated smuggling operations for over 100 undocumented persons entering the country from Mexico.
A conviction for conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens for profit carries a maximum penalty of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/human-smuggling-coordinator-pleads-guilty-nogales-following-ice-hsi-investigation
