International News: 6 Guatemalans arrested in human smuggling case linked to deadly truck crash

Published by BBNTEAM at December 11, 2024

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Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2024. 2:25 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Six Guatemalans have been arrested in Guatemala and Texas on human smuggling charges related to a deadly 2021 truck crash in Mexico that killed over 50 migrants, AP reports.

The crash occurred in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, when a semitrailer packed with at least 160 migrants, many from Guatemala, crashed into a pedestrian bridge support.

The arrests were made on the three-year anniversary of the tragedy.

Among those arrested were Tomas Quino Canil, Alberto Marcario Chitic, Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, and Josefa Quino Canil de Zavala, along with Jorge Agapito Ventura in Texas.

A sixth individual, named in the U.S. indictment but not publicly identified, was also arrested.

The accused face charges including conspiracy, placing lives in jeopardy, and causing death.

The indictment claims they were involved in smuggling migrants through Mexico to the U.S. for payment, using various transportation methods like microbuses and tractor trailers. Some migrants, including unaccompanied children, were given scripts to use if detained.

Guatemalan officials described the defendants as part of the criminal group “Los Quino,” and U.S. authorities are seeking their extradition.

The operation had the support of U.S. and Mexican authorities, who executed 15 search warrants across Guatemala.

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