EL PASO, Texas — A woman accused of transporting 10 migrants crammed into the cargo area of a white SUV has pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges.
The Incident
According to court records, Geraldine Peña Simental admitted to conspiring to transport the migrants from Sunland Park, New Mexico, to a stash house in El Paso in December.
- Border Patrol agents were alerted by a sensor activation near Mount Cristo Rey.
- Agents observed several individuals cross the border illegally and run toward a white Buick Enclave.
- The SUV drove toward McNutt Road, which leads to the Texas state line.
- Border Patrol vehicles intercepted the SUV at a stop sign.
When agents questioned Peña, she initially said she did not know the individuals. However, after allowing agents to inspect the vehicle, they found 10 migrants packed into the cargo area, stacked “on top of each other.”
Who Was Inside the SUV
- Eight citizens of Mexico
- Two citizens of Honduras
All were found to be in the U.S. illegally.
Peña’s Admission
Court documents show Peña later confessed that she knew she was picking up unauthorized migrants and expected to be paid by smugglers.
On Monday, she pleaded guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence, according to reports. While her exact punishment is not yet determined, the maximum penalty for transporting illegal aliens is 10 years in prison.
Broader Context
Cases like this highlight the ongoing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, where smugglers frequently endanger lives by overcrowding migrants in unsafe vehicles. Border authorities continue to emphasize that such operations are not only illegal but also pose serious safety risks to both migrants and drivers.
What do you think should be the appropriate punishment in cases where smugglers knowingly endanger lives? Share your thoughts in the comments.
