A Mexican man, Jesus Ernesto Dessens-Romero, has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for multiple people-smuggling offenses in Arizona. The 28-year-old from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, received his sentence from United States District Judge John Hinderaker, following a guilty verdict by a jury. Dessens-Romero was convicted of conspiracy to transport and the transportation of illegal aliens for profit, as well as bringing illegal aliens to the United States for profit.
Dessens-Romero was found to have put lives at risk during his smuggling operations. He played a crucial role in a criminal network that smuggled migrants from Mexico into the United States. Using WhatsApp, he coordinated pick-ups and drop-offs, helping five Mexican nationals cross into the U.S. on foot on February 13, 2021. He led the group through a hazardous route with limited supplies and harsh weather conditions into the remote Huachuca Mountains near Fort Huachuca in Southern Arizona, an area with minimal law enforcement presence.
The group included three sisters aged 23, 20, and 17, and a 16-year-old family friend. After two days, the 23-year-old sister fell seriously ill, unable to eat or walk. Dessens-Romero suggested they leave her near a busy road to be found but did not call for emergency assistance. Instead, he contacted his associates in the smuggling organization.
Dessens-Romero continued to lead the rest of the group to Sierra Vista, Arizona, where co-conspirators picked them up and transported them further into the U.S. The family of the sick woman reported her missing on February 16, 2021. Despite searches, law enforcement officials could not locate her. Dessens-Romero later contacted the surviving sisters, urging them to remove a “missing person” post on social media on behalf of the smuggling organization.
The remains of the 23-year-old woman were discovered on November 20, 2021, in an isolated area of the Huachuca Mountains, confirmed through dental records. Dessens-Romero was arrested in Tennessee on June 30, 2021, after being caught transporting two individuals by Highway Patrol.
Attorney General Merrick Garland commented on the case, emphasizing that human smugglers profit from exploiting migrants, often exposing them to violence, injury, and death. He stated, “Today’s sentence shows the Justice Department will continue to hold accountable these smugglers and the criminal networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants.” U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino added, “Alien smugglers care only about the money to be made and not about the human beings whose lives they endanger. Unfortunately, one young woman’s desire for a better life in the United States cost her her life due to the greed and recklessness of Dessens-Romero.”
This case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal immigration and the severe risks involved in people-smuggling operations. As the U.S. approaches the November presidential election, illegal immigration remains a significant concern for voters. Representative Mark Green, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, criticized the current administration’s border policies, calling for stronger measures to address the crisis.