Luis Enrique De La Cerda, Transporting Undocumented Non-Citizens, Texas 2021

Grimy Times Exclusive

Luis Enrique De La Cerda, a 55-year-old El Indio man, has pleaded guilty to transporting undocumented non-citizens in a tractor trailer filled with 69 individuals, including five unaccompanied minors.

According to court documents, on March 22, 2021, De La Cerda was identified as the driver of a tractor trailer traveling through Pearsall. Witnesses reported to law enforcement that multiple body parts were observed sticking out from the rear of the trailer, including the head of a male child.

The tractor trailer parked in an abandoned parking lot near the outskirts of town where De La Cerda opened the rear trailer door, allowing multiple individuals to stream out of the trailer. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Pearsall Police Department were at the scene and apprehended De La Cerda.

In addition to De La Cerda, 69 undocumented non-citizens were detained from the tractor trailer. Many complained of difficulty breathing due to no ventilation and hot temperatures in the trailer.

De La Cerda pleaded guilty today to one count of transporting illegal aliens in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 9, 2022 and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. United States District Judge Jason K. Pulliam will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden made the announcement. HSI, with assistance from DPS and the Pearsall Police Department, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew W. Kinskey is prosecuting the case.

This is not the first time De La Cerda has been involved in a serious crime. While the exact details of his past are not clear, it is evident that his actions have severe consequences.

As the investigation continues, it is essential to acknowledge the devastating impact of human trafficking on individuals and communities. Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this case as more information becomes available.

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