A deadly human smuggling operation that occurred in 2021 has led to a 10-year prison sentence for one of those involved. Juan Alonso Barrientos-Quintanilla, 23, was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio, Texas, to 120 months in prison for his role in the failed human smuggling operation.
On March 15, 2021, a failed human smuggling operation occurred on Highway 277, resulting in the deaths of eight people. Sebasitan Tovar, the driver of one of the vehicles involved, crashed, killing eight of its nine illegal alien passengers. Following the crash, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the second smuggling vehicle, leading to the attempted traffic stop and, subsequently, Barrientos-Quintanilla and the other illegal aliens fleeing on foot. All 12 illegal aliens were apprehended.
Barrientos-Quintanilla initially claimed to be one of the aliens being smuggled, however, he later admitted to being the load driver of the vehicle. He pleaded guilty on July 23, 2023, to one count of aiding and abetting illegal alien transportation resulting in death.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, USBP and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister prosecuted the case.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Barrientos-Quintanilla’s sentence is a result of his guilty plea to one count of aiding and abetting illegal alien transportation resulting in death. He will serve a total of 10 years in federal prison.
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- Reynaldo Lerma-Pichardo, Human Smuggling and Hostage Taking, Texas 2017 · Texas
- Galdino Jose Ruiz-Hernandez, Human Smuggling, Texas 2017 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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