Mario Alberto Herrera Jr, Transportation of an Illegal Alien, Arizona 2025

Arizona Man Charged with Smuggling Aliens

A disturbing trend of human trafficking has been uncovered in Arizona, with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona charging 173 individuals for immigration-related crimes. The cases range from re-entry of removed aliens to smuggling and transportation of undocumented immigrants.

One such case involves Mario Alberto Herrera Jr., who was charged by complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien on December 11, 2025. An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper observed Herrera driving on I-10 Westbound and initiated a traffic stop after discovering the vehicle's registration was suspended. Two passengers in the backseat were found to be citizens of Guatemala, unlawfully present in the United States.

Herrera, 34, was on probation for a prior conviction for Transportation of an Illegal Alien in the United States District Court, District of Arizona. He was paid to transport the two passengers to Phoenix, which is a serious offense. Immigration checks confirmed that the passengers were in the country without proper documentation.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona has made it clear that they will not tolerate human trafficking in the state. This case serves as a reminder that those who engage in such activities will face severe consequences.

Herrera is currently facing charges and will be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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 X at https://x.com/@USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr/district-arizona-charges-173-individuals-immigration-related-criminal-conduct-week