“La Empresa” Member Sentenced in El Paso to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison

EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso transnational criminal organization (TCO) member was sentenced in federal court Thursday to 235 months in prison for his role in a hostage taking conspiracy.

According to court documents, a man was forcefully kidnapped at gunpoint from his motel room in Juarez, Mexico, on Aug. 24, 2023, and was held hostage until Sept. 5, 2023. During that time, the victim’s family received threatening phone calls from multiple unknown subjects demanding payment. Ultimately, the family paid approximated $9,000 to the TCO for safe travel and release of the victim.

Luis Edward Castro, 28, worked for the TCO, “La Empresa.” Armed with a handgun, he recorded and sent proof-of-life videos to the victim’s family. In the videos, the victim appeared visibly scared and stated he was in El Paso. An investigation led law enforcement to Castro’s address, where they searched the residence and found six undocumented noncitizens and multiple firearms.

Castro was arrested Sept. 5, 2023 and charged with six counts pertaining to harboring and transporting undocumented noncitizens for financial gain, hostage taking, and the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He pleaded guilty to the hostage taking charge on Sept. 26, 2024.

“This case highlights some of the many dangers posed by TCOs on both sides of our southern border, and Castro’s sentencing of two decades in federal prison is a significant penalty,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “I am thankful for our partners at the FBI, HSI and the U.S. Border Patrol, whose investigative skill and expertise led to the recovery of these kidnapping victims and the outcome of this case.”

“TCOs such as La Empresa will find no refuge whatsoever in our communities," said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for FBI’s El Paso Field Office. "These ruthless networks exploit the vulnerable through human smuggling, drug trafficking, and violent extortion, as seen in Castro’s crimes where innocent people were held hostage to extract more money from their families. This sentencing serves as a clear warning: the FBI and our partners at the U.S. Border Patrol are relentless in our pursuit of those who seek to profit from suffering. We will dismantle these criminal enterprises, protect our communities, and bring every perpetrator to justice—because we will never tolerate those who threaten the safety and dignity of our people.”

"This criminal was recognized as both a stash house operator and enforcer for a transnational criminal organization, thanks to our diligent collaboration with law enforcement partners." said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “This prison sentence delivers a powerful message to human smugglers who engage in holding hostage and exploiting vulnerable individuals: we are fully committed to collaboration and the protection of our communities, and we will relentlessly hold these ruthless transnational criminal organizations accountable.”

“Criminal organizations like ‘La Empresa’ and other TCOs are not in the business of helping people. Their sole motive is profit, with no regard for human life,” said El Paso Sector Chief Walter N. Slosar. “The U.S. Border Patrol remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal networks. Those who put innocent lives at risk will be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The FBI, ICE HSI, and USBP investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mathew Engelbaum and Kyle Myers prosecuted the case.

###