Human smuggling investigation leads to 8 arrests. Transported migrants in ‘deplorable conditions’ including suitcases and water tanks

CANDACE HATHAWAY September 14, 2022

The U.S. Department of Justice reported that a joint-effort investigation with Joint Task Force Alpha led to the arrest of eight alleged human smugglers affiliated with a prolific trafficking operation. The Tuesday announcement stated that the network transported migrants in “deplorable conditions for profit.”

Erminia Serrano Piedra, also called “Boss Lady,” was believed to be the leader of the smuggling operation. The 31-year-old woman was indicted on trafficking charges, reported the DOJ. Authorities also arrested Kevin Daniel Nuber, 41; Laura Nuber, 40; Lloyd Bexley, 51; Jeremy Dickens, 45; Katie Ann Garcia, 39; Oliveria Piedra-Campuzana, 53; and Pedro Hairo Abrigo, 33. The arrests were made in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

The individuals are accused of illegally trafficking migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border and within the United States. According to the indictment, the trafficked individuals were believed to be citizens of Mexico, Columbia, and Guatemala.

According to the DOJ, the human trafficking operation hired drivers to transport migrants over the border and bring them further into the United States. Drivers were reportedly paid $2,500 for every individual they transported. Along the way to their destination, the smugglers placed the migrants in “stash houses” in Laredo and Austin, Texas.

Human smuggling investigation leads to 8 arrests. Transported migrants in ‘deplorable conditions’ including suitcases and water tanks - TheBlaze