An alleged stash house in the unincorporated community of Canutillo, Texas, was the site of a major discovery last month. A federal grand jury in El Paso has indicted three men and a woman in connection with the incident. Dozens of migrants were found at the location, leading to the charges.
The U.S. Border Patrol’s Anti-Smuggling Unit conducted an investigation into a multi-family home that was suspected of being used as a migrant stash house. The investigation revealed that individuals connected to a man with suspected ties to Mexican transnational criminal organizations were involved in this activity. As a result of this investigation, charges have been filed.
Border Patrol Chief Agent Jason Owens took to Twitter to share a photo of the “raid,” expressing concern over the deplorable conditions in which the migrants were found. He mentioned that they are currently undergoing processing for removal from the country.
According to later interviews with investigators, Quiros reportedly admitted that he had been hired to transport migrants from El Paso to the Canutillo stash house. He claimed that he would receive $200 for each migrant and an additional $500 to drive them to Albuquerque. Interestingly, he mentioned that he wasn’t expecting to be paid in cash, as the money would be deducted from his $7,000 smuggling fee. It is worth noting that Quiros is also in the country illegally, as per records.
Rendon and Jacinto, who were also discovered to be undocumented migrants, were apprehended for their purported involvement in maintaining the residence and assisting the other migrants.
According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Rodriguez, who is also known as “La Natali” and is a U.S. citizen, stated that she resided at the residence. However, she declined to provide any further information, asserting, “I’d prefer to remain alive and face imprisonment than cooperate.”
The minor in the home was her brother. Agents contacted his father and obtained permission to speak with him. According to records, the boy reportedly stated that a ledger discovered in his sister’s bedroom belonged to her and willingly allowed investigators to search his cellphone.
In a recently filed complaint, it has been alleged that a group chat, overseen by an individual referred to as “Chucky,” contained explicit instructions related to human smuggling activities. The chat reportedly provided evidence of direct communication between Chucky and La Natali on matters concerning human smuggling.
According to the complaint, the minor informed agents that his sister was responsible for taking care of and looking after the migrants at the house.
Harboring illegal aliens for profit is a serious crime under the U.S. Criminal Code, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and substantial fines.