Angelico Roa-Joachin, Human Smuggling, Arizona 2023

Tucson, Arizona – In a shocking bust, a human smuggling operation was dismantled by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 22, 2021. At least 30 undocumented non-citizens were apprehended and over 30 firearms, cash, and ledgers detailing smuggling activities were seized. The HSI investigation revealed that the organization regularly moved hundreds of undocumented non-citizens through the two stash houses, holding them in overcrowded conditions and demanding payment from their families or sponsors for their release.

Angelico Roa-Joachin, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced on April 21, 2023, by United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 78 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Roa-Joachin was convicted of Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit and Reentry of a Removed Alien.

This is not the first time Judge Zipps has dealt with human smuggling cases. In 2022, she sentenced three co-conspirators – Rafael Hernandez-Garcia, 35, of Mexico, to 78 months in federal prison, Luis Alberto Calixto-Pegueros, 25, to 37 months, and Alexis Mejia-Zamora, 26, to 27 months – for their roles in the conspiracy.

During the investigation, agents discovered that the individuals being smuggled were often subjected to abuse, including sexual coercion and assault. Judge Zipps found that Roa-Joachin, Hernandez-Garcia, and Calixto-Pegueros were responsible for this heinous behavior, resulting in a sentence enhancement.

The prosecution was a result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is part of JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against human smuggling and trafficking groups.

Homeland Security Investigations – Douglas Office conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. The case is a significant victory in the fight against human smuggling and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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