Man Indicted for Smuggling 101 Undocumented Migrants in Tractor Trailer, Including Children

A federal grand jury has indicted Juan Manuel Aguirre, 49, on charges of conspiracy to transport undocumented migrants within the United States and transportation of undocumented migrants for financial gain, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced.

The indictment stems from an incident on December 2, 2024, when law enforcement observed individuals being loaded into a white trailer at a warehouse parking lot. After the truck hauling the trailer departed, authorities conducted a traffic stop. A search revealed 101 undocumented individuals locked inside, including 12 unaccompanied children.

Two of those inside reported experiencing difficulty breathing and fearing for their lives due to the trailer’s conditions.

Aguirre is expected to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge for arraignment. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for each count and fines of up to $250,000.