Four Mexican nationals living illegally in the United States have been charged in a large-scale human smuggling case that allegedly brought hundreds of illegal immigrants across the Canada–U.S. border each week for profit. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a federal effort to stop illegal immigration and dismantle criminal networks.
Who Are the Accused?
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that the following individuals were arrested and charged:
- Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23
- Ignacio Diaz-Perez, 35
- Samuel Diaz-Perez, 26
- Salvador Diaz-Diaz, 32
They face charges of conspiracy to bring aliens into the U.S. and 25 counts of smuggling illegal immigrants for profit.
Authorities said all four were arrested at different locations across the United States. Two of them—Ignacio Diaz-Perez and Salvador Diaz-Diaz—had already been deported earlier but returned to the U.S. illegally.
How the Smuggling Operation Worked
According to court documents, the four men were part of a cross-border human smuggling ring that operated over the past two years in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
They allegedly helped smuggle people from Mexico, Central America, and South America into northern New York by crossing the Canadian border. Once in the U.S., the immigrants were transported deeper into the country.
Families of these migrants paid thousands of dollars for the service, making the operation highly profitable for the smugglers.
Dangerous Tactics and High-Speed Chases
The smuggling group not only broke immigration laws but also created serious public safety risks, according to court records.
In April 2023, a group of smugglers sped away from the Burke Border Patrol Station after triggering a sensor. Agents later discovered the group was transporting seven adults and three children, all in the country illegally.
In August 2023, another vehicle carrying illegal immigrants tried to escape law enforcement in Plattsburgh, New York. The car ran a red light, hit another vehicle at an intersection, and the driver and six migrants fled on foot before being caught.
Officials say these types of incidents show just how reckless and dangerous the operation was—not only for the people being smuggled but also for innocent civilians on the road.
Smugglers Used Videos to Promote Their Services
One disturbing detail from the investigation is that the smugglers asked the migrants to record testimonial videos, praising the group’s “services” to attract more clients. But officials say these claims were false, as the smugglers repeatedly put lives in danger through their actions.
What Officials Are Saying
Erin Keegan, from Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo, said:
“These individuals acted in blatant disregard of our nation’s laws, allegedly smuggling hundreds of aliens into the United States for thousands of dollars each.”
Matthew R. Galeotti, from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, added:
“The defendants imperiled their human cargo and innocent American lives when they repeatedly engaged in life-threatening conduct, including multiple high-speed getaways from law enforcement.”
Part of Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a major national effort aimed at:
- Stopping illegal immigration
- Eliminating criminal organizations and cartels
- Protecting U.S. communities from violence and organized crime
Authorities say this operation uses all available tools from the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, and other agencies to go after those who abuse U.S. laws for profit.