El Paso Man Admits to Drugging Kids in Smuggling Scheme

EL PASO, Texas – Manuel Valenzuela, 35, of El Paso, has admitted to his role in a callous human smuggling operation that preyed on vulnerable children. Valenzuela pleaded guilty in federal court to four counts related to bringing unaccompanied minors across the border from Juarez, Mexico, and facilitating their transport within the U.S.

Court documents reveal a disturbing practice within the smuggling ring: the use of candy laced with THC to sedate children, ranging in age from five to thirteen, during their illegal crossing. One child required hospitalization due to THC poisoning after being smuggled. Valenzuela’s role wasn’t direct administration of the drugs, but in picking up the children after they crossed the border and paying those who brought them, effectively enabling the entire operation.

Valenzuela was arrested on August 30 alongside co-defendant Dianne Guadian, a U.S. citizen. Both, along with Mexican nationals Susana Guadian and Daniel Guadian, were indicted on September 24 on five counts. Valenzuela specifically pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens and three counts of aiding and abetting in the smuggling of aliens for profit. This wasn’t a one-off incident; this was a systematic exploitation of children for financial gain.

The 35-year-old now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 11 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors. While a lengthy sentence is expected, it barely begins to address the trauma inflicted on these young victims.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced the guilty plea, highlighting the collaborative effort of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, U.S. Border Patrol, and HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit. The investigation also received substantial support from Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hines and Trial Attorney Bethany Allen are prosecuting the case.

This case falls under the umbrella of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), an expanded initiative by the Attorney General to dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations responsible for human smuggling and trafficking. JTFA has already resulted in over 410 arrests, 355 convictions, and 305 significant jail sentences. The operation is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide effort to combat illegal immigration and eliminate criminal organizations. The full weight of the Department of Justice is being brought to bear, but the source of the problem – desperate people and ruthless exploiters – remains a constant threat.

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