07/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2025 15:45
TUCSON, Ariz. - Last week, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a seven-count indictment against Miguel Salomon-Lugo, 40, of Chihuahua, Mexico, for smuggling illegal aliens for profit resulting in death, bringing in illegal aliens for profit, smuggling illegal aliens for profit, and conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens for profit.
The indictment alleges that on June 19, Border Patrol Agents encountered two illegal aliens who told them that two other individuals in their group needed assistance in the area of Bonita Tank near Arivaca, Arizona. Border Patrol air assets were able to locate the illegal aliens in distress, but the helicopter could not land because of the terrain. The agents relayed the individuals' location to other agents. Despite the excessive 100+ degree heat, Border Patrol Agents on the ground moved quickly to assist the distressed aliens. Upon arrival, agents discovered that one of the men had died after falling down a steep ravine.
All three of the surviving illegal aliens reported that they were part of a group led by two foot-guides who had brought them from Mexico into the United States. Salomon-Lugo was identified as one of those foot guides.
According to court documents, the deceased illegal alien began to feel faint due to heat while traveling. After being told to continue by one of the foot guides, he became dizzy and fell down a ravine, suffering the injuries that would lead to his death. His uncle, one of the other members of the group, stayed with him as the group moved on. The foot guides instructed others to leave the suffering man behind and continue north.
A conviction for smuggling illegal aliens for profit resulting in death carries a maximum penalty of death.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
An indictment is a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 25-CR-3238-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-124_Salomon-Lugo
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, visit https://http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/Follow the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Public AffairsEsther J. WinneTelephone: (602) 514-7740esther.winne@usdoj.gov