Safety alert: Lopez smuggling group pleads guilty | National News

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KVOA) – Nine members of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a conspiracy to smuggle undocumented individuals into and within the United States. This development follows a multi-year investigation that began in June 2023.

The defendants, all citizens of Guatemala, admitted to roles in the organization that involved transporting and harboring undocumented individuals for financial gain. They operated primarily in Luna County, New Mexico, and used peer-to-peer money transfer apps to facilitate their operations.

“These guilty pleas are a significant step in dismantling a criminal network that has endangered lives for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison.

Four defendants have already been sentenced. Junior Vanegas Portillo received 37 months in prison, while Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel was sentenced to 45 months. The remaining defendants await sentencing.

Notably, Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel agreed to forfeit several items, including vehicles and firearms, used in the conspiracy.

Ronaldo Galindo Lopez-Escobar, the alleged leader of the organization, remains a fugitive.

The investigation was led by HSI New Mexico, with support from various law enforcement agencies, as part of Joint Task Force Alpha, which targets human smuggling operations across the Americas.