Human smuggler convicted for attempting to transport aliens in tractor bed

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a 63-year-old Laredo man for unlawfully transporting undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding Zenen Torres-Perdomo guilty following a day and a half trial.

On Aug. 1, 2023, Torres-Perdomo drove a tractor-trailer to the Sarita Border Patrol checkpoint. At initial inspection, a K-9 alerted authorities to the sleeper area of the tractor. Law enforcement subsequently discovered eight illegal aliens huddled together in the bed compartment of the tractor.

At the trial, Torres-Perdomo testified and argued he had no knowledge of the illegal alien’s presence in his vehicle. The jury ultimately did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Torres-Perdomo faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Torres-Perdomo was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Young Min Burkett prosecuted the case.