Guatemalan national extradited to U.S. in deadly human smuggling case that killed over 50 migrants
Laredo, Texas – A 41-year-old Guatemalan national accused of playing a central role in a deadly human smuggling operation that killed more than 50 people, including unaccompanied children, is set to appear in U.S. federal court. The crash involved a tractor-trailer packed with at least 160 illegal aliens, most of them Guatemalan, and left over 100 others injured, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The suspect, Daniel Zavala Ramos, also known as Dany ZR, was arrested in Boquerón, Guatemala, on August 7 following a U.S. extradition request. After weeks of diplomatic coordination, he was turned over to U.S. authorities on October 21 and is now scheduled to make his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo at 9:30 a.m.
“The extradition marks yet another significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to bring those responsible to justice,” Ganjei stated, highlighting the sustained cooperation between U.S. and Guatemalan authorities. The extradition followed an international enforcement operation conducted on December 9, 2024—the third anniversary of the crash, symbolizing a continued pursuit of accountability in one of the deadliest human smuggling cases in recent history.
Six Defendants Now in Custody
In addition to Ramos, five other individuals have been charged in the conspiracy. Tomas Quino Canil, 37, Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino (aka Osvaldo ZQ), 25, Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, 43, and Alberto Marcario Chitic (aka Alberto De Jesus), 32, were all arrested in Guatemala on December 9, 2024. That same day, U.S. authorities took Jorge Agapito Ventura (aka Jorge Ventura, George Ventura, or El Raitero), 33, into custody at his residence in Cleveland, Texas. All six suspects are now being held in federal custody as they await further proceedings.
Each of the defendants faces multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to bring illegal aliens into the United States, placing lives in jeopardy, causing serious bodily injury, and resulting in death.
Smuggling Operation Spanned Over a Year
According to court filings, from October 2021 to February 2023, the six individuals allegedly worked together with a network of smugglers to move migrants from Guatemala, through Mexico, and into the United States. The methods of transport were dangerous and included travel by foot, microbuses, cattle trucks, and ultimately tractor-trailers.
The indictment also alleges the operation involved the smuggling of unaccompanied minors. Prosecutors claim that the defendants provided scripts and instructions to the migrants on how to respond if apprehended by authorities. Several of the individuals recruited into the operation are believed to have either died or suffered serious injuries in the December 9, 2021, crash, which is now central to the prosecution’s case.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, along with a possible fine of up to $250,000.
This case highlights the extreme dangers of illegal smuggling networks and the devastating consequences for those seeking a better life, only to fall victim to exploitation and negligence. U.S. authorities continue to pursue justice for the victims and their families, as legal proceedings move forward.
