Guatemala Arrests Police Officers Linked to Migrant Smuggling Ring, According to Reuters

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) – Guatemalan security forces have apprehended 25 individuals, primarily active police officers, connected to a human trafficking operation that facilitated the movement of predominantly U.S.-bound migrants, as reported by Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez on Tuesday.

For decades, Guatemala has served as a significant transit location for migrants from Latin America and other regions as they make their way to the U.S.-Mexico border.

The minister noted that among those arrested, two were retired police officers, while an additional 11 civilians faced charges, including money laundering, in association with a criminal organization referred to as “Los Rs.” Guatemalan officials indicated that this group has been active for several years and has amassed millions in local currency.

“This organization utilized police officers, corrupting them to secure safe passage for individuals being trafficked throughout the country,” Jimenez stated in a video message.

The ministry highlighted that earlier arrests of two individuals involved in the illegal transport of 10 migrants from Uzbekistan led to the operation that eventually dismantled the trafficking network.

Authorities seized four vehicles, a firearm, and cash during the operation but did not reveal the nationalities of the migrants or their intended destinations.

Collaborative efforts in the investigation included support from the U.S. embassy in Guatemala and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

According to the U.S. embassy, the human trafficking network had exploited nearly 10,000 migrants.

In August, Panama initiated U.S.-funded migrant deportation flights as part of efforts to reduce the number of people seeking to reach the U.S. southern border, where many are searching for improved economic conditions and safety.

Additionally, authorities from Guatemala and the U.S. jointly announced the dismantling of another human smuggling operation linked to the tragic death of 53 migrants found trapped in a cargo vehicle in Texas in 2022.