Yesterday, the Department of Justice announced that El Cajon, California resident Blanca Estella Gomez pled guilty to organizing the transportation of over 75 undocumented immigrants for hefty sums. Her criminal enterprise amassed over $1 million in payments, per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California.
Per her plea agreement, Gomez liaised with individuals in Mexico to facilitate the illegal entry of immigrants into the United States. She then coordinated the drivers, instructing them on pickup locations, drop-off points, and the sums to collect for services rendered.
Gomez's case comes amid an ongoing push by law enforcement to break up human smuggling rings. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath, speaking on the issue, praised the multi-agency collaboration leading to Gomez's arrest and highlighted the joint efforts' powerful impact in combating the extensive issue along the southern border. Sidney K. Aki, Director of Field Operations for Customs and Border Protection’s San Diego Field Office, reiterated the severity of such crimes, per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California.
Set to be sentenced on February 2, 2024, Gomez faces charges that include conspiracy to transport aliens, a crime that can draw up to ten years in prison and fines of a quarter of a million dollars.
