In a recent court case, Alberto Ubaldo Quintero-Rivas from Mexicali, Mexico, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for his involvement in a human smuggling incident that resulted in the tragic death of a migrant. The incident took place near the Andrade Port of Entry on Feb. 22, 2024, where Quintero-Rivas attempted to smuggle two unauthorized migrants into the U.S.
During the illegal crossing, Quintero-Rivas guided the migrants over a tall international boundary fence that was over 30 feet high. Unfortunately, one of the migrants, a 51-year-old man, fell from the fence and sustained severe head injuries that led to his death. Border Patrol agents later found Quintero-Rivas and the surviving migrant at a nearby RV park, and upon further investigation, discovered the deceased man’s body near the border wall.
Initially, Quintero-Rivas denied any involvement in the migrant’s death, but investigators found evidence, including matching shoeprints, that tied him to the area where the man fell. The surviving migrant also confirmed the events, stating that she witnessed the man’s fall but was told by Quintero-Rivas to leave him behind and follow him.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath highlighted the heartless nature of human smugglers, emphasizing that they view human lives as mere transactions. She urged individuals not to trust their lives to smugglers, as demonstrated by the tragic outcome of this incident. Yuma Sector’s Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin W. Caudle echoed these sentiments, warning about the dangers of illegal border crossings and the lack of regard for human life shown by callous smugglers.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal border crossings and the ruthless behavior of human smugglers. The tragic death of the migrant underscores the importance of using designated ports of entry and avoiding dangerous attempts to cross the border unlawfully. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential consequences and prioritize their safety when considering migration journeys.
