Authorities dismantled a human trafficking ring smuggling people into the US.

On July 30, US officials announced they had dismantled a criminal ring specializing in organizing illegal border crossings from Central America and Mexico into the United States.

Illustrative image. (Source: AFP/VNA)

The U.S. Department of the Homeland Security announced that police have arrested more than 20 individuals accused of smuggling thousands of illegal immigrants into the United States. Among those arrested is Jaime Jaramillo Hernandez, 49, considered the ringleader of the operation.

After more than two years of investigation, US authorities have arrested 400 individuals involved, seized $187,000 in cash, and issued over 60 indictments.

Local judicial officials stated that if convicted, these individuals could face up to 10 years in prison.

According to investigators, the ring operated primarily in the area from border cities in the West to San Antonio and Dallas in Texas.

This network is accused of smuggling approximately 150 undocumented immigrants from Central America and Mexico into the United States each week.

They transport immigrants in dilapidated, overcrowded trucks or small boats with poor sanitary conditions, for a fee of $5,000 per person.

The illegal immigration of people into the United States generates millions of dollars for this criminal organization.

According to VNA/VIETNAM+