Woman of Michigan is accused of leading network of trafficking of people, including children, through Canada
Investigation indicates woman illegally brought people from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador into the United States from Canada
A Michigan woman was indicted on federal charges after being accused of attempting to smuggle people, including children, from Central America into the United States through Canada.
Federal prosecutors said Norma Linda Lozano, also known as Norma Linda Quintanilla Lozano, 53, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, is charged with one count of conspiracy to smuggle aliens and six counts of bringing aliens into the United States for financial gain.
An indictment says Lozano was part of a smuggling operation that brought people from Central America through Canada and across the northern border on multiple occasions.
Federal prosecutors said that from February to November 2024, Lozano participated in an immigrant smuggling organization that smuggled and attempted to smuggle aliens from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador, including minors, into the United States from Canada.
The organization allegedly directed them to cross the border on foot, provided them with GPS coordinates and a description of Lozano's vehicle, and coordinated their pickup once inside the United States.
One of those trips included placing an 8-year-old girl in the cargo area of ??his vehicle for transport.
The case is part of the Justice Department's efforts to crack down on illegal immigration to the United States.
Before the In response to the case, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “This Department of Justice is investigating and prosecuting human trafficking more aggressively than ever, and Joint Task Force Alpha is leading the way.”
“We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people, including many unaccompanied children, face rigorous and comprehensive justice,” she continued.
For his part, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti,of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division warned that “Smuggling organizations threaten the security of our borders and undermine public safety. The Criminal Division is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle smuggling networks wherever they operate and bring their members to justice.” “The prosecution of Ms. Lozano must send the message that those who commit these crimes will be investigated and held accountable, not only for their own criminal acts, but also for facilitating the illegal crossing of the border by others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher for the District of Vermont.