The couple is accused of giving THC gummies to sedate children ages 5-13 to illegally bring them into the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that a Mexican couple charged with conspiracy to transport migrants and bringing migrants illegally into the U.S. for financial gain have been extradited. A federal grand jury in Texas indicted the couple in September 2025 for participating in a smuggling organization that brought unaccompanied children aged 5-13 illegally into the United States from Mexico. The couple is also accused of giving the children THC gummy candies to sedate them.
U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons from Texas stated that having the couple “in custody on this side of the border one year after they were indicted is a major development in a case that highlights the dangerous tactics that human smugglers employ when smuggling children.”
Acting Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Special Agent in Charge Ryan McRae stated, “There is nothing more reprehensible than exploiting vulnerable children for profit. Smuggling children across our border is not a victimless crime. Giving children cannabis-infused candy to sedate them is an especially disturbing abuse of their trust and safety. HSI will continue to hold accountable those who facilitate these dangerous schemes that treat children as commodities for financial gain and put them in harm’s way.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. attorneys as they prepare and prosecute cases regarding the smuggling of unaccompanied minors.
- For Special Agent McRae as he oversees regional investigations of human trafficking into the U.S.
- For Secretary Mullin and Attorney General Blanche as they head their respective federal departments and partner to uphold federal immigration laws.
Sources: Department of Justice, Fox 7 Austin
