Mexican Woman Sentenced in US for Human Trafficking Ring Linked to Cartel del Noreste

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

A 27-year-old Mexican woman received a 70-month federal prison sentence in the United States for her involvement in a human trafficking ring that operated for several years along the Texas border. U.S. authorities reported that the defendant—identified as Giovana Lozano Hernández—was residing illegally in Laredo and obtained financial benefits for her role in these illicit activities.

The ruling was issued by U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen, who evaluated evidence establishing the defendant's direct involvement within a large-scale criminal organization. During the hearing, the court concluded that the organization functioned as a "one-stop shop" for housing and transporting migrants within U.S. territory. The judge also underscored "the depth of her involvement and the significant responsibility she held" within the criminal group.

According to the investigation, Lozano Hernández acted as the ring's financial manager, performing duties equivalent to those of a chief financial officer. Together with her husband, Danny Núñez, she managed accounting records and money flows linked to human trafficking. Authorities documented that the couple collaborated with the Cartel del Noreste and facilitated the crossing of more than 1,900 migrants, generating substantial illicit profits.

The investigation traced the group's activities back to March 2023. In an incident recorded in December of that same year, agents detected the transport of individuals inside a white trailer located at a warehouse. A subsequent inspection led to the discovery of 101 migrants inside the premises, including 12 unaccompanied minors. Testimonies gathered from the scene described extreme conditions: several individuals reported difficulty breathing and expressed fear for their lives.

A search of the couple's residence resulted in the seizure of mobile phones, notebooks containing operational records, and over $36,000 in cash; investigators also discovered two undocumented foreign nationals present at the location. Additionally, investigators recovered digital images of handwritten notes and voice messages detailing the logistics, housing arrangements, and financial oversight of individuals who had already been transported.

The convicted woman's husband, 35, had previously received a 10-year federal prison sentence on January 7. Regarding Lozano Hernández, authorities indicated that she will face deportation proceedings following the completion of her prison term.

Various agencies participated in the operation, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, with support from the Laredo Police Department.

Source: La Razón