Dozens of people were found dead and many others were hospitalized with heat-related illnesses after a tractor-trailer containing suspected migrants was discovered in San Antonio on June 27, 2022. Two men involved in a smuggling operation were convicted of federal charges for their roles in the tragic incident, where 53 migrants lost their lives due to being trapped in the back of an unairconditioned truck during the hot Texas summer.
Felipe Orduna-Torres, 30, and Armando Gonzalez-Ortega, 55, were found guilty of various charges, including conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants resulting in death. Both face potential life sentences when they are sentenced in June. The migrants, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, had paid between $12,000 to $15,000 each for the ill-fated journey that ended in San Antonio, Texas.
Despite knowing that the air conditioning was not functioning, the defendants proceeded with the dangerous smuggling operation. Orduna-Torres was identified as the primary organizer, with Gonzales-Ortega as his key accomplice. The tragic journey involved loading 66 migrants into the truck in Laredo, Texas, and driving to San Antonio, enduring sweltering conditions along the way.
Upon opening the truck’s doors in San Antonio, it was discovered that 48 migrants had perished inside, with five more dying at the hospital. Among the deceased were six children and a pregnant woman. Additional individuals connected to the smuggling case have pleaded guilty, including the truck driver. Another suspect, Rigoberto Miranda-Orozco, has been extradited from Guatemala to face charges for his alleged involvement in the incident.
The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to pursuing human smugglers who violate U.S. laws, regardless of their location. Further updates on this tragic event are available on CNN.com.
