The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona charged 136 individuals with immigration-related crimes, including 76 repeat offenders who re-entered the U.S. illegally and 39 first-time illegal entry cases. There were also 21 people charged in 19 cases related to human smuggling as part of a broader crackdown, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The enforcement effort, conducted from January 10 through January 16, involved collaboration among federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It’s important to note that these charges are formal accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Elias Alfonso Diaz-Martinez was stopped by a Pinal County Sheriff’s deputy for speeding and driving violations. During the stop, signs of human smuggling were observed, and immigration checks confirmed that "Diaz-Martinez is a citizen of Venezuela, and the passenger is a citizen of Mexico, both unlawfully present in the United States." He was charged with transporting an illegal alien, and all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
