7 people arrested in Guatemala in connection with death of 53 migrants smuggled in trailer in Texas

Guatemalan authorities have arrested seven individuals in connection with the death of 53 migrants who were abandoned inside a tractor trailer in Texas in 2022. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into what has been described as the deadliest case of migrant smuggling in recent U.S. history.

The detainees, all Guatemalan nationals, were apprehended following 13 police raids across three departments in the country. Among them was Rigoberto Román Miranda Orozco, identified as the leader of the smuggling network and whose extradition has been requested by the U.S. In addition to the arrests, authorities seized vehicles, cash, and rescued other migrants who were found during the operations.

The arrests were the result of a collaborative effort between Guatemalan law enforcement, U.S. Homeland Security, and other national agencies, according to Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez. He emphasized that dismantling human trafficking networks is a key objective of the Guatemalan government under President Bernardo Arévalo.

This operation follows the earlier arrest of six individuals in connection with the same smuggling case. U.S. authorities had previously detained Homero Zamorano Jr., the alleged driver of the truck, and Christian Martinez, both Texas residents. Martinez has pleaded guilty to smuggling-related charges, while Zamorano has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Four Mexican nationals were also arrested in 2023.

The 2022 tragedy occurred when migrants were crammed into a tractor-trailer with a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit. The vehicle was abandoned in San Antonio, Texas, where 48 migrants were found dead inside. An additional 16 were hospitalized, and five later died. The victims included nationals from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

U.S. authorities have accused the smuggling network of coordinating across multiple countries, sharing resources such as routes, guides, and stash houses. Migrants reportedly paid up to $15,000 each for passage across the U.S. border, a fee that covered up to three attempts.

The Guatemalan government identified the smuggling gang as "Los Orozcos," named after the family members involved in the operation. The network is alleged to have generated millions through years of illicit activity, facilitating the illegal transport of hundreds of migrants to the United States.