A national of the Dominican Republic has pleaded guilty to his involvement in a deadly human smuggling conspiracy in Puerto Rico, resulting in a child's death.

Alcibades De Paz, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of “bringing certain aliens into the United States, resulting in death.” According to court documents, the defendant was identified as one of the captains of a vessel illegally carrying individuals, including a three-year-old child, from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. De Paz admitted to operating the vessel during the human smuggling venture. While the co-conspirators were evading Puerto Rican law enforcement attempting to intercept the vessel safely, the vessel stopped functioning. De Paz admitted that he aided in starting the engine and throttling the boat's engine towards the Puerto Rican shoreline. The vessel capsized as it reached the shoreline, leading to the child's death.

Human Smuggling and the Death of an Innocent Child

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that De Paz's actions demonstrate the callous disregard for human life often exhibited by human smugglers. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the DOJ's Criminal Division, emphasized this point, stating: “While smuggling migrants by boat to the United States, Alcibades De Paz attempted to evade law enforcement and sped toward the beach — a decision that resulted in the death of a three-year-old child after the vessel capsized.” Argentieri reiterated the Criminal Division's commitment to combating human smugglers who prey on vulnerable migrants.

The Vessel's Journey and the Tragic Outcome

The vessel carrying De Paz and the other migrants was intercepted by Puerto Rican law enforcement. The DOJ reported that De Paz admitted to operating the vessel during the human smuggling venture. While the co-conspirators were evading Puerto Rican law enforcement attempting to intercept the vessel safely, the vessel stopped functioning. De Paz admitted that he aided in starting the engine and throttling the boat's engine towards the Puerto Rican shoreline. However, the vessel capsized as it reached the shoreline, leading to the child's death.

Justice Department's Response and Investigation

The DOJ has vowed to hold those responsible accountable. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date, and De Paz faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Puerto Rico, with assistance from Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD)'s Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA) and U.S. Border Patrol, Ramey Sector. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Marie Zisa of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina M. Agrait-Barreto for the District of Puerto Rico.

ECT Program: Combating Human Smuggling Networks

The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources and coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

A Call for Action: Combatting the Exploitation of Vulnerable Migrants

The tragic death of the child in this human smuggling incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with these operations. The case highlights the need for continued efforts to combat human smuggling networks and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants. The international community must work together to address the root causes of human smuggling, including poverty, violence, and political instability, and create safer pathways for migrants to seek a better life. The incident serves as a powerful call for action to protect the lives of those seeking a better life and to hold those responsible for exploitation accountable.