Two men accused of organizing a vast human smuggling network that moved thousands of illegal immigrants into the U.S. have been arrested in Los Angeles. Prosecutors allege the group not only exploited migrants but also endangered lives, leading to multiple fatalities.
Federal officials identified Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul as the alleged head of the operation, working alongside Cristobal Mejia-Chaj. The network reportedly charged Guatemalan migrants up to $18,000 for illegal entry, utilizing smuggling routes through Mexico before delivering them into stash houses in U.S. cities. Some individuals were detained until full payment was made, and additional fees were demanded for transport across different states.
The organization is linked to a 2023 crash in Oklahoma that resulted in seven migrant deaths, including a four-year-old child. Authorities say one of the drivers, Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, was transporting illegal immigrants as part of the smuggling operation when the accident occurred. He remains in custody on related charges.
Prosecutors say threats were common. One case detailed in court records describes Renoj-Matul calling a migrant’s mother, warning that her daughter “would come home in a box” if payments were not received.
Authorities are still looking for another suspect, Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, believed to be hiding in Guatemala. Officials accuse him of overseeing drivers and coordinating transport routes. He has also been implicated in making threats against a Homeland Security agent.
Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj have pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail. If convicted, both men could face life in prison or the death penalty.
