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Alien Smuggling Led to Death
A grim reminder of the dangers of human smuggling: a 22-year-old Houston woman has admitted to smuggling a group of nine illegal aliens, resulting in the death of one migrant.
Karin Yamilec Aguilar-Melgor, 22, pleaded guilty to the crime, which occurred on February 25, 2014. According to court documents, Border Patrol agents observed a red Ford pickup truck on a Farm to Market Road near Falfurrias, Texas, around 3:30 a.m. The vehicle then fled the scene after agents activated their emergency equipment.
Agents pursued the truck, eventually locating it crashed into a tree on FM 2191 near Falfurrias. At the scene, authorities found eight more illegal aliens, as well as Aguilar-Melgor, the driver. One of the migrants succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.
Aguilar-Melgor was arrested at the scene and has remained in custody since February 2014. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos accepted her guilty plea and set sentencing for October 1, 2014. Aguilar-Melgor faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey S. Miller prosecuting. This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with human smuggling.
The incident highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of human trafficking and smuggling, rather than just punishing those who engage in these crimes. By working together, we can prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Karin Yamilec Aguilar-Melgor’s sentencing is set for October 1, 2014. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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