A Texas truck driver charged in the deaths of 53 migrants in 2022 who rode in a sweltering tractor-trailer with no air conditioning pleaded guilty Thursday over the nation’s deadliest smuggling attempt across the U.S.-Mexico border, the Associated Press reports. Homero Zamorano Jr., 48, pleaded guilty in federal court in San Antonio to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in death, causing serious bodily injury, and placing lives in jeopardy; one count of transportation of aliens resulting in death; and one count of transportation of aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy. He could face a maximum sentence of life in prison when he is sentenced on April 24.
Authorities say Zamorano, who drove the truck, and other men charged in the smuggling attempt were aware that the trailer’s air-conditioning unit was malfunctioning and would not blow cool air to the migrants trapped inside during the sweltering, three-hour ride from the border city of Laredo to San Antonio. The truck was packed with 67 people, and the dead included 27 from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala and two from El Salvador. Prosecutors have said migrants paid up to $15,000 each to be taken across the border. The incident happened on a remote San Antonio back road on June 27, 2022. Police officers detained Zamorano after spotting him hiding in nearby brush. A search of Zamorano’s cellphone showed calls concerning the smuggling run. Surveillance video of the 18-wheeler passing through a Border Pd, according to the indictment. Also charged previously in th was Matinez, also of Texas, who with Zamorano was arrested shortly after the migrants were found. Martinez has since pleaded guilty to smuggling-related charges.
Four Mexican nationals were also arrested in the case in 2023.
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