Feds Bust Smugglers Who Trafficked 20,000 Illegals, Threatened to Behead Agent

Federal authorities have captured the criminals behind a massive smuggling operation responsible for trafficking at least 20,000 illegal immigrants into the United States. Among those arrested was a Guatemalan illegal alien who allegedly threatened to decapitate a federal agent and his family.

• Four Guatemalan nationals were arrested for operating the deadly smuggling ring.

• The operation led to the deaths of at least seven people, including a 4-year-old child.

• One suspect is accused of threatening to “cut off the heads” of a Homeland Security agent and his family.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrests, with Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally confirming that the criminals could face the death penalty for their roles in the operation.

Among those captured were Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, 51, known as “Turko,” and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, 49, both arrested in Los Angeles. Another key figure, Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, remains a fugitive. Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, a driver for the smuggling group, is already incarcerated in Oklahoma after causing a deadly car crash that killed seven people, including three minors.

“These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life,” McNally said. “The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country’s largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations. This work saves lives.”

According to the DOJ, Obispo-Hernandez threatened to decapitate a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent and his family after federal authorities searched his residence. These threats highlight the brutality of these criminal networks, which thrive under lax border enforcement.

The smuggling ring’s recklessness also led to the tragic deaths of seven migrants. Paxtor-Oxlaj, one of the group’s drivers, was transporting illegal aliens from New York to Los Angeles when he crashed in Elk City, Oklahoma. Three of the victims were minors, including a four-year-old boy.

Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco condemned these smuggling networks for their disregard for human life. “These arrests illuminate the dangers and victimization associated with aliens attempting to unlawfully enter our country. Every day, similar human smuggling organizations put profits ahead of safety in these reckless and illegal endeavors.”

Under the Biden administration’s failed immigration policies, human smugglers have flourished, fueling a crisis that endangers American citizens and illegal immigrants alike. The Trump administration, however, has made it clear that it will no longer tolerate this lawlessness. With border enforcement ramping up, more of these dangerous networks are expected to be taken down.

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