Felipe Orduna-Torres and Armando Gonzales-Ortega Sentenced to Life for 2022 San Antonio Texas Smuggling Tragedy Killing 53 Including 21 Guatemalans

Two men, Felipe Orduna-Torres and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the 2022 human smuggling tragedy in San Antonio, Texas, where 53 migrants died after being found in the back of a sweltering tractor-trailer. The incident, which occurred three years ago, is considered the deadliest migrant smuggling tragedy in U.S. history. Among the victims were 21 Guatemalans and six children.

The two men were convicted on federal charges related to the conspiracy that led to the deaths. Additional individuals involved in the smuggling operation are awaiting sentencing. The Department of Justice described the sentences as life imprisonment for the smuggling leader and top coordinator. The case has drawn attention internationally and has been described as a strong message against human trafficking.