The United States government has announced strict measures against a dangerous human smuggling network led by Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez. This organization, known as the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization (HSO), has been responsible for illegally bringing people from Guatemala, through Mexico, and into the United States. The smuggling operation has been running for years, moving thousands of individuals across borders while making millions of dollars in illegal profits.
The Lopez HSO, based in Guatemala, is known to work with violent criminal organizations. They charge large amounts of money to smuggle people into the U.S., often putting them in dangerous situations. Many of those smuggled are forced to travel in overcrowded vehicles, walk through harsh deserts, or hide in unsafe places, risking their lives in the process.
To stop this illegal activity, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has placed strict financial penalties on key members of this group, including Hernandez Perez. This means that their money, properties, and bank accounts in the U.S. are now frozen, and American citizens and businesses are not allowed to have any dealings with them. These actions are part of a larger effort to break down criminal organizations that threaten the safety of people and national security.
The Criminal Network and Its Links to Dangerous Groups
The Lopez HSO has been working closely with La Linea, also known as the Juarez Cartel, a dangerous cartel in Mexico. This cartel is infamous for drug trafficking and violent crimes. In the past, they have been responsible for serious acts of violence, including the tragic killing of American citizens in Mexico in 2019. By working together, these groups have helped each other continue their illegal activities, making the situation even more dangerous.
The smuggling network does not just transport people. They also create fake documents to help illegal migrants move through Mexico without getting caught. These fake papers allow them to avoid authorities and cross borders without proper identification. To make matters worse, the group also pays fees to criminal organizations in Mexico, ensuring safe passage for the people they are smuggling. This means that the money people pay to be smuggled is often used to support criminal cartels.
Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have been tracking this group for a long time. Last year, officers from different parts of the country worked together on a large investigation. This led to the arrest of several members of the Lopez HSO. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico also filed legal charges against them, showing that the government is serious about stopping human smuggling operations.
Freezing Assets and Stopping Illegal Transactions
The U.S. government has taken strong action to stop this smuggling network from continuing its illegal work. By freezing their bank accounts and blocking their financial transactions, the government is making it harder for them to operate. This is important because criminal groups rely on money to fund their activities, pay their members, and bribe officials.
The penalties also apply to businesses and individuals who might unknowingly work with the smugglers. Any person or company caught doing business with them could face legal consequences. This serves as a warning to banks and other financial institutions to be extra careful and avoid any dealings with known criminals.
Investigators have discovered that the Lopez HSO has made an estimated $104 million to $416 million from their illegal operations. They charge each person between $13,000 and $16,000 to be smuggled into the U.S. This is a huge amount of money, and by cutting off their access to it, the government hopes to weaken the organization.
As a part of their crackdown, U.S. authorities are working with international agencies to track down and bring more members of the Lopez HSO to justice. They have warned that any attempt to help these criminals—whether by providing money, transportation, or hiding their activities—will lead to strict legal action.
The fight against human smuggling continues, and officials say they are committed to stopping the flow of illegal migration and protecting people from the dangers of these criminal networks. By targeting the finances of smuggling operations, the government is taking an important step in disrupting their ability to function and preventing further crimes from being committed.
