Los Angeles, CA – In a significant federal operation, authorities have arrested Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, also known as “Turko,” a 51-year-old Guatemalan national, on charges of orchestrating one of the largest human smuggling rings in the United States. Renoj-Matul’s organization is alleged to have illicitly transported approximately 20,000 individuals from Guatemala into the U.S. over a five-year period, charging each migrant between $15,000 and $18,000. The operation has been linked to multiple fatalities, including a tragic incident in November 2023 that resulted in the deaths of seven migrants, among them a 4-year-old child.
Scope and Operations of the Smuggling Network
Renoj-Matul’s criminal enterprise is accused of operating a sophisticated network that facilitated the illegal entry of thousands of Guatemalans into the United States. The organization purportedly employed associates in Guatemala who recruited individuals seeking to migrate, collecting substantial fees for the perilous journey. Migrants were transported through Mexico and crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, with assistance from Mexican smuggling groups. Upon entering the U.S., they were held in stash houses before being moved to various destinations, including Los Angeles and Phoenix. Migrants unable to pay the full fees were reportedly held hostage in a stash house near downtown Los Angeles until their debts were settled. justice.gov
Fatal Incident in Oklahoma
In November 2023, a vehicle operated by the smuggling organization crashed in Elk City, Oklahoma, resulting in the deaths of seven passengers, including three minors and a 4-year-old child. The driver, Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, also a Guatemalan national, was arrested and charged in connection with the accident. He is currently incarcerated in Oklahoma and has been named in the federal indictment alongside Renoj-Matul. justice.gov
Additional Arrests and Charges
Alongside Renoj-Matul, authorities arrested his alleged lieutenant, 49-year-old Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, also residing in Los Angeles. Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to human smuggling. A federal judge has ordered them to remain in custody without bond until their trial, scheduled for April 22. Another alleged lieutenant, Helmer Obispo-Hernandez, is currently a fugitive and believed to be in Guatemala.
Official Statements
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills. The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country’s largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations.” John Pasciucco, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles, added, “Every day, similar human smuggling organizations put profits ahead of safety in these reckless and illegal endeavors.”
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to bring, transport, and harbor unauthorized immigrants for financial gain, resulting in death. Additionally, Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj face charges of hostage-taking. If convicted on all counts, the defendants could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Community Impact and Response
The dismantling of this smuggling ring has significant implications for communities across the United States, particularly in areas where migrants were transported and harbored. Local authorities and community organizations are working to provide support and resources to affected individuals and to address the broader issues of human smuggling and migrant exploitation.
Ongoing Investigation
Federal authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the smuggling network, including identifying additional associates and financial assets connected to the operation. The collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies remains crucial in addressing and dismantling such extensive criminal enterprises.
References:
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U.S. Department of Justice. (2025, March 3). Guatemalan National Arrested on Indictment Charging Him with Leading One of the Largest Human Smuggling Rings in U.S. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/guatemalan-national-arrested-indictment-charging-him-leading-one-largest-human
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Associated Press. (2025, March 3). *2 leaders of a group suspected of smuggling 20 … *. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/b2d4154cf9e8d9a17b931405625a25ee
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CNN. (2025, March 3). Four people charged with operating ‘one of the largest human smuggling rings’ in the US. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/03/us/human-smuggling-guatemala-arrests-los-angeles/index.html