Rafael Almanza-Guillen, Alien Smuggling, Arizona 2022

A grave tragedy in the Arizona desert has led to a severe penalty for a man who put human lives at risk for financial gain. Rafael Almanza-Guillen, 41, of Mexico, was sentenced to 63 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for Unlawfully Bringing an Illegal Alien to the United States, Resulting in Death.

In August 2021, Almanza-Guillen brought three undocumented noncitizens from Mexico into the United States in exchange for payment. He led the noncitizens on foot through the desert, in temperatures averaging 106 degrees Fahrenheit. This reckless decision ultimately led to the death of one of the individuals due to hyperthermia.

Yuma Border Patrol Agents rescued Almanza-Guillen and the two other noncitizens. The investigation into this case was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, and the Yuma Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa E. Jennis and Genevieve A. Ozark, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. This case highlights the risks and dangers faced by individuals attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

The case number is CR-21-00650-PHX-SMB, and the release number is 2022-111_Almanza-Guillen. 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.

The defendant’s real full name is Rafael Almanza-Guillen, and the exact criminal charges are Unlawfully Bringing an Illegal Alien to the United States, Resulting in Death. The city and state are Phoenix, Arizona. The exact date of the crime is August 1, 2021. The sentence or outcome is 63 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

This case is a grim reminder of the dangers of human smuggling and the importance of prioritizing human life. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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