The leader of a human smuggling organization, who unlawfully transported over 100 Hondurans to the United States, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to federal prosecutors.
Maria Mendoza-Mendoza, also known as La Guera, was sentenced to 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Raner Collins. In addition to her prison term, she will also serve three years of supervised release.
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Mendoza-Mendoza faced allegations of coordinating a human smuggling network with accomplices across Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Together, they assisted migrants in unlawfully entering, transporting, and providing shelter for those seeking to enter the United States.
In January 2018, the Justice Department filed charges against her, and she was later extradited from Honduras to the United States in June 2023.
Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned the defendant for exploiting vulnerable migrants and prioritizing her own profit over their well-being, thereby jeopardizing both their lives and our national security.
Federal prosecutors took several aggravating factors into consideration when determining Collins’ sentence. These factors included overseeing the smuggling of unaccompanied minors, utilizing firearms, creating a risk of death, and coercing or threatening migrants for payment.
Francisco Burrola, the special agent in charge for HSI Arizona, condemned human smuggling as a despicable crime, one that the defendant willingly engaged in more than 100 times solely for financial gain.
“Consider this sentencing as a clear message to any smugglers out there who are thinking about continuing their illegal activities — be prepared to face the consequences of your actions, which includes serving time in prison.”
In the span of three years under the Biden administration, Garland proudly states that his Justice Department has achieved over 240 convictions in their relentless pursuit of justice against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling groups.
