Fact Check: Smugglers Charged $12,000 to $15,000 Each for Dangerous Border Crossing
What We Know
Recent court cases have highlighted the grim realities of human smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border. Two men, Felipe Orduna-Torres and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, were sentenced for their roles in a tragic incident where 53 migrants died in a sweltering trailer in June 2022. According to court documents, these smugglers regularly charged between $12,000 and $15,000 for transporting migrants into the United States (New York Times, Washington Post, CBS News). This price range was consistent across multiple reports, indicating a well-established fee structure within the smuggling network.
Analysis
The claim that smugglers charged $12,000 to $15,000 for border crossings is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The sentencing documents and trial testimonies confirm that this fee was standard for the services provided by the smuggling organization led by Orduna-Torres (New York Times, CBS News). Furthermore, the Washington Post notes that the victims, who included minors, had paid these amounts to be smuggled into the U.S., emphasizing the financial burden placed on migrants seeking a better life.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, coming from established news organizations that have reported extensively on the case and the broader context of human smuggling. The New York Times and Washington Post are particularly known for their investigative journalism, which adds weight to the claims made in their articles. Additionally, the consistent reporting across these outlets suggests a high degree of reliability in the information presented.
Conclusion
The claim that smugglers charged between $12,000 and $15,000 for dangerous border crossings is True. This assertion is supported by multiple credible sources, including court documents and testimonies from the recent trials of the smugglers involved in the tragic deaths of 53 migrants. The consistency of this information across various reputable outlets further solidifies its accuracy.
