USA: Traffickers hid migrants in suitcases and empty water carriers

The American judicial authorities yesterday revealed chilling details of the action of illegal immigrant trafficking rings on the US-Mexico border. Eight defendants, mostly US citizens, are said to have been hoarding by taking advantage of the desperation of would-be immigrants trying to reach the United States. They did not hesitate to stuff them into suitcases, wooden boxes or empty water tanks, as described in court documents that have seen the light of day.

The revelations about the actions of the traffickers came to light as the Biden administration makes major efforts to dismantle such rings.

Erminia Serrano Piedra, a 31-year-old Texas resident nicknamed “Boss Lady,” is alleged to be the head of the ring, which made millions of dollars in illegal immigrant trafficking, according to the indictment.

The 31-year-old deposited more than $1.3 million into two bank accounts from December 2017 to August 2021, but only declared deposits of $120,000, according to court documents released Tuesday.

At a press conference in Washington, officials from the US Departments of Justice and Homeland Security stressed that those accused of smuggling illegal immigrants had no regard for human life and were only interested in the profits they made.

“There is mounting evidence of abuse, exploitation and violence against immigrants,” said Under Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien. “For a long time they acted with impunity”, he underlined.

Last June, 53 migrants died crammed into truck trailers in San Antonio. Four men, including the alleged driver, have been charged in connection with that tragedy.

RES-EMP

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