Driver in Texas migrant smuggling run that led to the deaths of 53 people pleads guilty

A Texas truck driver has pleaded guilty in connection to a tragic incident in 2022 where 53 migrants perished in a sweltering tractor-trailer lacking air conditioning. This event marked the deadliest smuggling attempt along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The truck driver, Homero Zamorano Jr., entered his guilty plea in federal court in San Antonio. He confessed to charges including conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in death and serious bodily injury, transportation of aliens resulting in death, and transportation of aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and endangering lives.

The 48-year-old could face a maximum sentence of life in prison, the Justice Department announced. Zamorano is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24.

Mark Stevens, Zamorano’s attorney, said in an email that he was unable to comment on a pending case.

In addition to Zamorano Jr., four Mexican nationals were apprehended in 2023 in relation to the incident. Another suspect arrested in Guatemala in August was accused of aiding in coordinating the smuggling operation. Rigoberto Román Miranda Orozco, facing six counts of migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious injury, could potentially receive a life sentence if found guilty. Allegations suggest his involvement with four Guatemalan migrants, three of whom lost their lives in the tragic incident.

According to the indictment against Miranda Orozco, the smugglers had forced the migrants to give up their cellphones before getting inside the trailer, leaving them no way to call for help. An unknown powder was spread around the trailer to prevent the smell of human cargo from being detected by patrol dogs at border inspection stations.

When the trailer was opened in San Antonio, 48 migrants were already dead. Another 16 were taken to hospitals, where five more died. President Joe Biden called the tragedy “horrifying and heartbreaking.”

Those who died were seeking better lives. News of the trailer full of bodies was met with horror in cities and villages accustomed to seeing their young people leave, trying to flee poverty or violence in Central America and Mexico.

Authorities allege that the men worked with human smuggling operations in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, and shared routes, guides, stash houses, trucks and trailers, some of which were stored at a private parking lot in San Antonio.

Migrants paid the organization up to $15,000 each to be taken across the border. The fee would cover up to three attempts to get into the U.S.

The incident is the deadliest among tragedies that have claimed thousands of lives in recent decades as people attempt to cross the U.S. border from Mexico. Ten migrants died in 2017 after they were trapped inside a truck parked at a Walmart in San Antonio. In 2003, the bodies of 19 migrants were found in a sweltering truck southeast of San Antonio.

You May Also Like
‘MobLand’ Showcases Tom Hardy At His Strongest and Most Subtle

Tom Hardy shines in ‘MobLand’ with powerful and nuanced performance

If there’s one thing Tom Hardy always brings to a role, it’s…
What’s next in the Russia, Ukraine ceasefire talks?

Germany reports that negotiations with the US on Russia-Ukraine conflict are at a standstill, while China holds a contrasting view

There is growing tension surrounding the U.S.’s attempts to mediate a resolution…
Elon Musk's $20M political humiliation after Trump-backed candidate's spectacular loss in Wisconsin

Elon Musk Faces Setback with $20M Political Contribution in Wisconsin Election

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are celebrating the approval of a new…
Police in Springfield Township in Delaware County, PA searching for 3 suspects in assault at Urban Air Trampoline Park

Authorities in Springfield Township, Delaware County, PA are looking for three suspects involved in an assault at Urban Air Trampoline Park

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Pa. — Police in Delaware County, Pennsylvania are looking for…
Gisele Bundchen, 44, is a bra-free beauty as she is seen in first campaign since welcoming third child

Gisele Bundchen, 44, looks stunning without a bra in her latest campaign after giving birth to her third child

Gisele Bundchen’s first ad campaign since welcoming her third child debuted on…
Dolton, Illinois election results today: Democrat Jason House projected to replace Tiffany Henyard as Dolton mayor

Today’s election results in Dolton, Illinois: It is expected that Democratic candidate Jason House will take over as the new mayor of Dolton, succeeding Tiffany Henyard.

DOLTON (WLS) — Democrat Jason House is expected to win the Dolton…
Keke Palmer Finally Gets Her Movie Star Moment With ‘One of Them Days’

Keke Palmer’s Big Break in Hollywood Arrives with ‘One of Them Days’ Movie

Keke Palmer and SZA star in the buddy comedy One of Them…
David Beckham poses with Tom Brady, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami WAGs at his star-studded 50th birthday party

“Star-studded 50th Birthday Party: David Beckham with Tom Brady, Lionel Messi, and Inter Miami WAGs”

David Beckham celebrated his upcoming 50th birthday with star-studded guests like Lionel…
Tuesday Morning Minute: Won't Get Fooled Again

New post: Avoid Being Deceived Again – Tuesday Morning Recap

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’ Red-Hot at RedState  Although it’s good to have…
Wisconsin election results today: Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court seat over Brad Schimel, cementing liberal majority

Susan Crawford defeats Brad Schimel in Wisconsin Supreme Court election, securing liberal majority

MADISON, Wis. — The candidate supported by the Democrats won the election…
President Donald Trump news today: Financial experts raising concerns about consumer protections, costs in current administration

Concerns Raised by Financial Experts about Consumer Protections and Costs in the Current Trump Administration

CHICAGO (WLS) — Financial experts are raising concerns about consumer protections and…
'Stella!' The Cory Booker 'Filibuster' Memes Have Arrived and They Are Hilarious

Hilarious Cory Booker “Filibuster” Memes Featuring Stella Have Surfaced

Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey gave a speech on the Senate…