Honduran man smuggling Bangladeshi, Pakistani citizens arrested in Mexico
MERIDA, Mexico – A Honduran human smuggler transporting 13 Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals was arrested May 6 by Mexican authorities working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Merida Assistant Attaché Office.
Franklin Santa Maria Fajardo, 29, allegedly attempted to smuggle the undocumented individuals into the United States through Mexico. He was spotted in the vicinity of Tapachula, Mexico, driving a passenger van above the legal speed limit. The occupants acted erratically, ducking their heads to avoid detection. Law enforcement determined the 13 passengers were unlawfully present in Mexico. All were arrested and processed for removal.
The 13 individuals include: six Bangladeshi adult males, one Bangladeshi minor and six Pakistani adult males. All are detained and being processed administratively for immigration violations.
Fajardo, who was arrested by the Policia General de Justicia del Estado De Chiapas, is in law enforcement custody awaiting the outcome of his case. The Procuraduria General de la Republica is handling the prosecution of the case.
“We commend law enforcement in Mexico for their swift action in this case,” said Oscar Galarza, HSI assistant attaché in Merida. “We are committed to assisting our partners in Mexico with the identification and dismantlement of transnational human smuggling criminal organizations who present a threat not only to America, but countries everywhere.”
Through its International Operations, HSI has 67 operational attaché offices in 48 countries around the world. HSI special agents work closely with foreign law enforcement agencies. Additionally, HSI brings personnel from host countries to the United States to train at the Department of Homeland Security Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
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