Driver pleads guilty in 2022 Texas smuggling attempt that resulted in 53 migrant deaths
Texas truck driver charged 53 migrants died The man who drove a sweltering, unair-conditioned tractor-trailer pleaded guilty Thursday to a 2022 tragedy that became the nation’s deadliest smuggling attempt across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Homero Zamorano Jr.He, who lives in Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport an alien causing death, serious bodily injury and endangering life; one count of transporting an alien causing death; and one count of transporting an alien causing serious bodily injury and endangering life. A charge of endangering life. The Justice Department announced that the 48-year-old man could face up to life in prison.
Zamorano’s attorney, Mark Stevens, said in an email that he could not comment on pending cases. Zamorano is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24.
Authorities say truck driver Zamorano and others charged During the sweltering three-hour journey from the border city of Laredo to San Antonio, those involved in the smuggling operation realized that the trailer’s air-conditioning unit was malfunctioning and unable to blow cold air to the migrants trapped inside.
Investigators say temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit and migrants screamed, banged on the walls of the trailers for help or tried to climb out.
According to Mexican authorities, the truck was carrying 67 people, and the dead included 27 Mexicans, 14 Hondurans, 7 Guatemalans and 2 Salvadorans. Prosecutors say migrants pay up to $15,000 each to be taken across the U.S. border.
The incident occurred on June 27, 2022, on a remote trail in San Antonio. Police took Zamorano into custody after finding him hiding in nearby bushes, a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. A search of Zamorano’s phone revealed he had received calls about smuggling activity.
Eric Gay/AP
Surveillance video of the 18-wheeler passing through a Border Patrol checkpoint showed the driver matched Zamorano’s description, the indictment said.
Previously charged in the tragedy was Christian Martinez, also from Texas, who was arrested along with Zamorano shortly after the migrants were discovered. Martinez has since pleaded guilty to trafficking-related charges.
In 2023, four Mexican citizens were also arrested in connection with the case. August, A suspect arrested in Guatemala Accused of helping coordinate smuggling attempts. U.S. authorities said they would seek the extradition of Rigoberto Roman Miranda Orozco, who is charged with six counts of migrant smuggling resulting in death or serious injury. Authorities claimed he was linked to four Guatemalan immigrants in the trailer, three of whom died, and he faces life in prison if convicted.
