Guatemala has extradited Rigoberto Miranda, the alleged leader of a human smuggling network linked to the deaths of 53 migrants found inside a sweltering truck in Texas in 2022.
Miranda, 48, was arrested last year near Guatemala’s border with Mexico and is accused of heading the “Los Orozcos” smuggling gang. He was flown to the United States on Friday, where he will face charges, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the US resulting in death.
The US embassy in Guatemala confirmed the extradition, stating that Miranda would face justice for human smuggling. Several other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the case.
The tragedy unfolded when migrants from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras were crammed into a trailer with faulty air conditioning, causing extreme temperatures inside. Forty-eight people were dead when the truck reached San Antonio, with five more dying later in hospital.
US prosecutors allege the smugglers charged $12,000 to $15,000 per person for the perilous journey. If convicted, Miranda-Orozco could face life in prison.
