News

Jul 14, 2023

Mad admits to role in deadly human smuggling attempt in Webb County

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Arling Antonio

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Arling Antonio Gutierrez-Garcia.

U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 63 migrants in the back of a belly dump trailer. Authorities said that one man died inside the trailer. The driver of the vehicle is now facing federal charges.

A Nicaraguan citizen in the country illegally has admitted his role in a human smuggling attempt that resulted in the death of a migrant, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Arling Antonio Gutierrez-Garcia, 49, recently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport migrants. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will sentence Gutierrez-Garcia at a later date. He faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol, Sheriff's Offices in Webb and Dimmit Counties, Webb County District Attorney's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Highway Patrol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.

"The tragic loss of life in this case is an example of the very real risks people face when they put their lives in the hands of smugglers," said Deputy Special Agent in Charge Alejandro M. Amaro, HSI Laredo.

"Those responsible for illegally moving people through our country place personal profit ahead of public safety. Driven by greed, these criminals have little regard for the health and well-being of the individuals they smuggle, which can be a deadly combination."

The case dates back to June 6, when Gutierrez-Garcia drove a semi-tractor pulling a belly dump trailer with 63 migrants from Mexico and Guatemala.

"The metal trailer was covered with a vinyl tarp, thereby eliminating air circulation and increasing temperatures which led to the (migrants’) distress," the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Gutierrez-Garcia noticed the migrants jumping out the trailer from a tear in the tarp they had made. He then stopped the semi-tractor in west Webb County on a private ranch road where law enforcement saw him standing by the cab.

Law enforcement and medical personnel rendered aid to the migrants in the trailer and brush. One migrant who was found at the bottom of the trailer's pit was pronounced dead at the scene.

When apprehended in the brush, Gutierrez-Garcia claimed he was being transported with the others. But further investigation revealed he was the driver of the semi-tractor.

"Transporting dozens of human beings in a vinyl-covered all metal trailer in the South Texas summer heat demonstrates the callousness and indifference of smugglers to human life," said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

"The sweltering heat that built up in this vehicle which was designed not for people, but for hauling sand, rock and other materials maximized the potential for injury and the eventual and tragic death of one of the victims. This defendant will now face substantial consequences for his inhumane crime."