Final two members of deadly human smuggling ring sent to federal prison

Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two Starr County residents have been sentenced for conspiring to smuggle illegal aliens from the Rio Grande Valley to other parts of the United States which resulted in multiple deaths, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Julia Isairis Torres, 39, and Erasmo Garcia, 24, Roma, pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2023, and Oct. 3, 2023, respectively.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now imposed a 48-month-term of imprisonment for Torres, while Garcia received 32 months. Both must also serve two years of supervised release following their sentences. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Olvera noted the severity of human smuggling and admonished both that should they ever return to criminal activity, they could be facing extensive time in federal prison.

On March 24, 2019, law enforcement attempted to stop a Nissan Xterra in Duval County. The vehicle failed to stop, crossed into oncoming traffic and eventually overturned, killing four illegal aliens and seriously injuring six others.

The victims were from the countries Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador. One victim was a minor.

“Human smuggling is a dangerous and deadly business. Here, the reckless actions by these smugglers claimed four lives and endangered law-abiding citizens traveling on our roads,” Ganjei said. “If you’re thinking of employing an alien smuggler, think again. They will gladly risk your life—or sacrifice it—to make a few bucks.”

As part of their pleas, Torres and Garcia admitted to conspiring to transport illegal aliens using vehicles. Garcia admitted acting as a scout, while Torres admitted to recruiting others to serve as scouts during the smuggling attempt.

Garcia will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Torres was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Police Departments in Port Mansfield and South Padre Island, Texas Rangers, Texas Game Wardens, Sheriff’s offices in Kenedy, Duval and Willacy Counties and the Willacy County District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose E. Arreola Jr. and Jose Esquivel Jr. prosecuted the case.