The leader of a Mexicali-based human smuggling ring has pleaded guilty to federal charges.

According to court documents, Ofelia Hernandez-Salas, 63, led a human smuggling operation that charged as much as tens of thousands of dollars to cross the international border illegally. The organization assisted more than 100 migrants from at least 19 different countries in the smuggling operation. Hernandez-Salas and co-conspirators also robbed the migrants of money and other personal objects while armed with guns and knives. Hernandez-Salas and co-defendant Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 50, were arrested by Mexican authorities at the request of the United States. Saucedo-Huipio remains in custody in Mexico. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said, " Her plea is the latest example of Joint Task Force Alpha's long reach and unwavering commitment to bringing to justice the leaders of the human smuggling operations that victimizes migrants for profit and endanger our national security". Hernandez-Salas is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.