Human Smuggling: Two Men Sentenced to Life in Prison

Human Smuggling Sentencing: Life in Prison for Texas Deaths

Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a 2022 human smuggling tragedy. The deadly incident killed 53 migrants in a hot trailer.

Felipe Orduna-Torres, 30, was given life in prison and fined $250,000. Armando Gonzales-Ortega, 55, received 83 years and the same fine. A federal jury convicted both men in March.

They were found guilty of smuggling migrants in a way that caused risk to life, serious injury, and death. U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia handed down the sentences in San Antonio on the third anniversary of the tragedy.

Human Smuggling Operation Used Shared Routes and Vehicles

Investigators say the two men helped lead a human smuggling organization, also called an HSO. This group smuggled migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico into the U.S. between December 2021 and June 2022.

Orduna-Torres, known as “Cholo” and “Chuekito,” organized many of the trips. Gonzales-Ortega, called “El Don,” helped coordinate the smuggling runs. They shared routes, stash houses, trailers, and drivers to cut costs and increase profits.

Some of the vehicles were kept at a private lot in San Antonio.

Human Smuggling Turned Fatal in Sweltering Heat

Just before the deadly smuggling run, Orduna-Torres and others exchanged the names of migrants who would be loaded into a trailer. Gonzales-Ortega went to Laredo to meet the vehicle.

At least 64 people were packed into the trailer. They included eight children and a pregnant woman. Authorities say the group knew the trailer’s cooling unit was broken and not blowing air.

The trailer traveled for about three hours in the Texas heat. When it arrived in San Antonio, 48 people were already dead. Sixteen others were rushed to hospitals. Five of them later died, including the pregnant woman.

Smuggling Leaders Lose Assets in Sentencing

Orduna-Torres was also ordered to pay a $96,000 money judgment. Several assets were seized, including:

• A 2008 Volvo semi-tractor
• A 1995 Phoenix trailer
• A 2015 Cadillac Escalade
• A 2017 Ford F-350 Super Duty truck
• Nearly $60,000 in cash

“These criminals will spend the rest of their lives in prison because of their cruel choice to profit off of human suffering,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s sentences are a powerful message to human smugglers everywhere: we will not rest until you are behind bars.”

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons said the two would now spend their lives locked away in federal prison. He also thanked law enforcement for helping to bring the smugglers to justice.

“My office remains focused on prosecuting smugglers and their networks, and ultimately eradicating transnational criminal organizations,” Simmons added.

More Sentencings Ahead in Human Smuggling Case

Five more people have pleaded guilty in the same case. Their sentencing dates are set for later this year:

• Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, 32 — Nov. 6
• Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal, 39 — Nov. 13
• Christian Martinez, 31 — Nov. 20
• Homero Zamorano Jr., 48 — Dec. 4
• Juan Francisco D’Luna Bilbao, 51 — Dec. 4 (separately indicted)

Another man, Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, is also facing charges. He was involved in the same fatal human smuggling run. After being arrested in Guatemala, he appeared in court in San Antonio in March. His trial is set for Sept. 29.

Investigation Involved Many Agencies

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led the case. The FBI, ATF, Customs and Border Protection, and ICE also assisted. Local agencies like the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriff’s Office helped as well.

“Today’s sentences are the result of a far-reaching investigation and a tireless commitment by HSI and our law enforcement partners to dismantle the deadliest human smuggling operation in U.S. history,” said Craig Larrabee, Special Agent in Charge at HSI San Antonio.

“This case serves as a stark reminder: human smuggling is not a service — it is a deadly criminal enterprise. HSI will pursue smugglers relentlessly, wherever they operate. No one, who participates in the smuggling of human beings, will escape the reach of justice.”

Human Smuggling Crackdown Part of DOJ National Effort

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a national effort by the Department of Justice to stop illegal immigration and cartel violence. It also falls under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which targets smuggling operations across Central and South America.

JTFA works with federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners along the U.S. southern border. So far, it has led to:

• Over 385 domestic and international arrests
• Over 345 convictions in U.S. courts
• More than 300 significant prison sentences
• The seizure of substantial assets tied to smuggling networks