USA: Traffickers hid migrants in suitcases, wooden boxes and empty water tanks

American judicial authorities revealed yesterday Tuesday (13/9) chilling details of the action of trafficking rings irregular immigrants at the borders USA–of Mexico. Eight defendants, mostly American citizens, are said to have been hoarding by taking advantage of the desperation of would-be immigrants trying to reach the United States. They didn’t hesitate to stuff them into suitcases, wooden crates or empty water tanks, as described in leaked court documents.

The revelations about the action of traffickers have come to light as the Biden administration makes major efforts to dismantle such rings.

Erminia Serrano Piedra, a 31-year-old Texas resident nicknamed ‘Boss Lady’, is alleged to be the ringleader of the ring, which netted millions of dollars from the trafficking of illegal immigrants, according to the indictment.

The 31-year-old deposited more than $1.3 million into two bank accounts between December 2017 and August 2021, but only declared deposits of $120,000, according to court documents released Tuesday (9/13).

At a press conference in Washington, officials from the US Departments of Justice and Homeland Security stressed that those accused of smuggling illegal immigrants had no regard for human life and were only interested in the profits they made.

“There is mounting evidence of abuse, exploitation and violence against immigrants,” said Under Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien. “For a long time they acted with impunity”, he underlined.

Last June, 53 migrants died crammed into truck trailers in San Antonio. Four men, including the alleged driver, have been charged in connection with that tragedy.