Federal agents have apprehended two Guatemalan men accused of running a massive human smuggling operation that transported 20,000 illegal immigrants into the United States, potentially facing the death penalty if convicted.
Quick Takes
- Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj were arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly smuggling 20,000 migrants since 2019
- The operation charged migrants $15,000-$18,000 for passage to the U.S. and held those unable to pay as hostages
- Two additional suspects have been charged; one is in custody in Oklahoma for a fatal crash involving migrants, while another remains at large
- Both arrested men are being held without bond and could face the death penalty if convicted
Major Smuggling Network Dismantled
U.S. federal agents have struck a significant blow against illegal immigration with the arrest of two Guatemalan nationals accused of orchestrating one of the largest human smuggling operations in the country. Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, known as “Turko,” and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj were taken into custody in Los Angeles following an extensive investigation into their smuggling enterprise. According to federal authorities, the network allegedly trafficked approximately 20,000 illegal immigrants from Guatemala into the United States since 2019, generating millions in illicit profits while endangering countless lives.
Both men appeared in federal court shortly after their arrests and are currently being held without bond. The severity of their alleged crimes has led prosecutors to pursue the harshest possible penalties, with authorities noting that capital punishment remains on the table if the men are convicted. The arrests mark a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against human trafficking operations that exploit vulnerable migrants and undermine border security at a time when illegal crossings have reached historic levels.
Federal agents arrested two Guatemalan men on Friday accused of operating one of the largest human smuggling operations in the United States.
The two were picked up near downtown Los Angeles -accused of moving 20,000 illegal immigrants into the US from Guatemala since 2019. pic.twitter.com/32OoB7AkxW
— Blanche Victoria (@tammytabby) March 3, 2025
Extensive Criminal Operation and Additional Suspects
Federal investigators revealed the sophisticated nature of the smuggling ring, which charged migrants between $15,000 and $18,000 for passage to the United States. Once across the border, migrants faced additional fees for transportation to at least 20 different states and Washington, D.C. Those unable to pay were reportedly held against their will in Los Angeles stash houses until their debts were settled. In some cases, the smugglers allegedly threatened harm to family members of migrants who couldn’t meet their financial demands.
Two additional men have been charged in connection with the operation. Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj is currently in custody in Oklahoma, facing charges related to a fatal car crash involving smuggled migrants. Meanwhile, Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, described as a lieutenant in the organization, remains at large and faces additional charges for allegedly threatening a Homeland Security officer. Authorities have issued warnings about the dangerous nature of smuggling operations, which regularly result in injury and death to the very people paying for their services.
National Security and Human Cost
Law enforcement officials emphasized that dismantling such smuggling networks is critical not only for national security but also for protecting potential victims. The operation allegedly transported migrants under dangerous conditions with little regard for their safety or well-being. Renoj-Matul, the alleged ringleader, is accused of threatening a migrant’s mother with harm if smuggling fees weren’t paid, highlighting the criminal organization’s ruthless business model that treated human lives as mere commodities.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has pledged to continue aggressive pursuit of similar organizations operating across the southern border. The agency highlighted the case as an example of their commitment to targeting not just individual smugglers but entire criminal enterprises responsible for facilitating illegal immigration. With the border crisis showing signs of abating, federal authorities view these high-profile arrests as crucial steps toward addressing both the humanitarian concerns and national security implications of uncontrolled migration.
Sources:
Feds Bust Massive Human Trafficking Operation
Feds bust massive alleged Guatemalan human smuggling ring operating out of California
