Cecilio and Ricardo Rios-Quinones, Smuggling Disaster, California 2021

Two brothers from Chihuahua, Mexico, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a devastating human smuggling operation that resulted in the tragic deaths of three sisters.

Cecilio and Ricardo Rios-Quinones, 66 months in prison and a $500 special assessment, pleaded guilty in August 2020 to Transportation of Aliens Resulting in Death, Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Conspiracy.

The brothers were found guilty of smuggling three sisters, Juana Santos Arce (age 35), Margarita Santos Arce (age 32), and Paula Santos Arce (age 29) of Oaxaca, Mexico, across the treacherous terrain along the US-Mexico border in an ill-fated trek.

On April 2, 2021, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo stated that ‘three women froze to death because defendants sought to benefit from their need to come here.’ The judge recognized the presence of several agents who engaged in the rescue operation, noting that they put their own lives at risk only to find two women dead and one barely alive.

‘The smugglers with whom individuals entrust their lives care only about money and not safety,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. ‘We pledge to fervently seek justice for victims following these calamities, but we cannot bring back those who were lost or end the suffering of grieving families.’

‘This case exemplifies the ruthlessness of smugglers, and should serve as a warning to people considering putting their lives in their hands,’ said Cardell T. Morant, special agent in charge of HSI San Diego.

Cecilio and Ricardo Rios-Quinones were convicted of conspiring with others to serve as foot guides in order to smuggle individuals illegally into the United States. According to the plea agreements, the defendants guided the three sisters across the border from Mexico through the boundary fence in a remote area within the Southern District of California, during a snow storm, without proper clothing, shoes, shelter, and other food and equipment to remain or hike in this cold, remote, mountainous environment.

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