An escape attempt that endangered the lives of eleven undocumented migrants, six of whom were Cuban, ended with the capture of an alleged human trafficker in Guatemala.
In an operation carried out by the Division of Ports, Airports, and Border Posts (DIPAFRONT) of the National Civil Police (PNC), authorities arrested Erick “N.”, 42 years old, who was transporting six Cubans and five Haitians, including a 12-year-old minor, under inhumane conditions in the back of a pickup truck.
The incident occurred in the village of San Ixtán, in the municipality of Jalpatagua, Jutiapa department.
There, agents from the PNC were maintaining a checkpoint and vehicle inspection when the driver of a Mitsubishi pickup - with license plates P-073JLR - disobeyed the stop order and attempted to evade authorities by accelerating.
"The driver disobeyed the stop signal at a checkpoint and accelerated," the police report detailed.
That action initiated a chase of approximately one kilometer along the route, during which the suspect, in his desperate attempt to escape, collided with at least six cars and 17 motorcycles, causing significant material damage.
Hidden migrants under a tarp
Upon being finally intercepted by the agents, a vehicle inspection was conducted.
It was then that the police discovered eleven people hidden in the bed of the pickup, covered with a rough tarp.
The victims, who were being transported without ventilation or any minimal safety measures, showed visible signs of dehydration and bruises.
"It was confirmed that in the basin, covered with a rustic tarp, there were six Cuban citizens and five Haitians hidden, including a 12-year-old minor," reported the PNC.
The migrants were given water and later were transferred to a location of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) to receive medical assistance and continue with the respective administrative procedures.
Multiple accident and collateral damage
During the daring escape, the now-detained individual caused a multiple accident.
The impact affected around twenty vehicle owners who, outraged by the damages, accompanied the authorities to file formal complaints.
"The affected property owners accompanied the police to file the corresponding complaints and demand compensation," the police statement confirmed.
The vehicle used for the clandestine transport was seized as part of the legal proceedings.
Authorities emphasized that the detainee has been made available to the competent authorities, charged with the crime of human trafficking.
The National Civil Police of Guatemala warned that it will continue to strengthen border controls and monitoring points to detect these types of illegal operations.
The Guatemalan Institute of Migration will be responsible for determining the immigration future of those rescued, who at the moment are under protection and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Human Trafficking and the Situation of Migrants in Guatemala
What happened to the coyote arrested in Guatemala?
The coyote, Erick “N.”, was arrested for human smuggling after attempting to evade a checkpoint, which resulted in a multi-vehicle accident affecting several cars. He was transporting Cuban and Haitian migrants under inhumane conditions.
How were the Cuban and Haitian migrants at the time of their rescue?
The migrants were found hidden under a tarp in a pickup truck, without ventilation or minimal safety measures, showing signs of dehydration and injuries. They received medical attention and were transferred to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration.
What is the current situation of the migrants rescued in Guatemala?
The rescued migrants are under the care of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration, where they receive medical assistance and their immigration status is assessed. They are awaiting the appropriate administrative procedures.
Why is Guatemala a common route for Cuban migrants heading to the United States?
Guatemala is a strategic crossing due to its geographic location, serving as a bridge between Central America and Mexico. Many Cuban migrants traverse the country in their attempt to reach the United States, taking advantage of illegal routes facilitated by human traffickers.
Filed under: