South Texas jury convicts alien smuggler who caused the death of a smuggled woman

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A South Texas jury on Wednesday convicted a Mexican national living in Brownsville for his role in an alien smuggling operation that led to the death of a smuggled woman.

This conviction was announced by U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.  This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  

The jury returned its verdict against Galdino Jose Ruiz-Hernandez Jan. 11 after a two-day trial. According to court documents, evidence indicated that on April 24, 2015, Ruiz-Hernandez reported to Port of Brownsville authorities that a "friend" told him a female body was seen floating in the Brownsville ship channel. Law enforcement located the body and noticed injuries. Ruiz-Hernandez was initially arrested for illegally re-entering the United States after having been previously deported; he was later charged with alien smuggling as well.

HSI special agents learned Ruiz-Hernandez had actually been guiding the female illegal alien at midnight in the water across the ship channel when they were struck by a Coast Guard boat. Evidence presented at trial showed Ruiz-Hernandez guided her on behalf of Gabriel Sanchez-Aburto, 46, who had taken him to Mexico to pick up the woman. Ruiz-Hernandez and the victim entered the U.S. illegally, walked to the Port of Brownsville ship channel and began crossing the water in darkness. While in the water, a Coast Guard boat struck them. The autopsy revealed the boat's propeller caused the injuries that resulted in her death.

On Oct. 27, 2015, HSI special agents arrested Sanchez-Aburto on a warrant for the alien smuggling death incident. He and others were in the process of smuggling other aliens at the time. Authorities found and detained seven illegal aliens and arrested three brothers, all from Puebla, Mexico: Lazaro Comunidad-Hernandez, 48, Pablo Comunidad-Hernandez, 25, and Luciano Comunidad-Hernandez, 39.

The brothers were later sentenced to terms from 10 and 15 months in federal prison and are expected to face deportation proceedings following their release from prison.

Sanchez-Aburto pleaded guilty to both alien smuggling charges; his sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 6.

Sentencing for Ruiz-Hernandez is scheduled for April 10.  At that time, he faces up to life imprisonment. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Juan F. Alanis, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.