TUCSON, Ariz. – A grim chapter in the ongoing battle against human trafficking and illegal immigration was written last week when federal prosecutors indicted Miguel Salomon-Lugo, 40, of Chihuahua, Mexico, for his role in a smuggling ring that resulted in the tragic death of an illegal alien.
The seven-count indictment levies charges including smuggling illegal aliens for profit resulting in death, bringing in illegal aliens for profit, and conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens for profit. Salomon-Lugo was identified as one of the foot guides responsible for leading the group across the border.
On June 19, Border Patrol Agents responded to reports of distressed individuals near Bonita Tank in Arivaca, Arizona. Despite the intense heat, agents worked tirelessly to rescue those in need but discovered a tragic outcome: one man had fallen down a ravine and died. The surviving aliens revealed that they were under the guidance of two foot guides during their perilous journey.
According to court documents, the deceased alien suffered from heat exhaustion but was instructed by one of the guides to continue despite his condition. His injuries were so severe that he succumbed to them. His uncle, part of the group, remained with him as they continued on, but the guides ordered others to leave their fellow traveler behind.
A conviction for smuggling illegal aliens for profit resulting in death carries a maximum penalty of death. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a coordinated effort aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations and protecting communities from violent crime.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Border Patrol, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona. As always, an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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