Human smuggler in court after more than 50 people die in car crash

The last human smuggler responsible for the deaths of over 50 people was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice. Officials extradited Guatemalan national Daniel Zavala Ramos on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a human smuggling operation that turned fatal in 2021. Ramos’ extradition marked a significant step in the DOJ’s efforts to bring justice to those killed and injured in the mass casualty event.

What is the background of the case? Ramos and five accomplices smuggled paying Guatemalan migrants into the United States through Mexico via microbuses, cattle trucks, and tractor trailers, according to the DOJ. A tractor-trailer that Ramos’ group filled with at least 160 illegal migrants crashed in Mexico on Dec. 9, 2021. The crash killed over 50 people, including unaccompanied children, and injured over 100 others.

All six were charged with conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States, which placed lives in jeopardy and resulted in death. All six accused smugglers are in federal custody, facing life in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

Dig deeper: Read my report on different human smugglers sentenced earlier this year for enabling a similar mass casualty event in Texas.