Co-leader of Alien Smuggling Organization Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national residing in Plano was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso on May 3 to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to transport aliens.

According to court documents, Ana Maria Villa-Flores, 40, of Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, conspired, communicated and coordinated the smuggling of a group of 22 undocumented noncitizens from El Paso to the Dallas-Fort Worth area with a co-conspirator in July 2021.  Villa-Flores also conspired and coordinated with another co-conspirator to move 24 undocumented noncitizens from El Paso to Plano in January 2022. Further investigation revealed Villa-Flores to be a leader and organizer for conspiring to smuggle undocumented noncitizens via locked and enclosed cargo trailers from El Paso to Dallas-Fort Worth. Villa-Flores is held accountable for smuggling 124 known undocumented noncitizens between July 2021 and April 2022.   

“As demonstrated in this case, our dedicated partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice.  The dismantling of this alien smuggling organization is a testament to their commitment and tireless effort,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas.  “Together, we stand resolute in protecting our borders and upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the integrity of our nation.”

“Individuals involved in the illicit movement of human cargo into the country and then onto further destinations within the United States have a callous disregard for the value of human life and are placing profit ahead of public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola for HSI El Paso. “HSI will continue to aggressively work with our law enforcement partners to identify and arrest those involved in this illicit and dangerous activity.”

HSI and USBP investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria Crosby prosecuted the case.

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