On Thursday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that Angel Ramon Lopez-Hernandez, 36, a Mexican citizen, pleaded guilty to transporting undocumented immigrants into the U.S. in exchange for payment.
The arrest took place on December 11, 2024, when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper stopped a Ford Explorer on Interstate 75. Lopez-Hernandez, the driver, had four passengers in the vehicle. Due to the language barrier and suspicion that they were undocumented, the trooper contacted U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents for assistance.
Upon questioning, Lopez-Hernandez and two of the passengers admitted they were illegally present in the U.S. All three, including Lopez-Hernandez, confirmed they were Mexican nationals. Further investigation revealed that Lopez-Hernandez had been paid for his role in transporting immigrants and had previously done so on multiple occasions, including trips from North Carolina to Florida.
At the time of the stop, the vehicle’s odometer showed 401,996 miles, indicating it had been used extensively. Lopez-Hernandez had purchased the vehicle in September 2022 with only 158,016 miles, indicating more than 9,000 miles of driving per month.
The passengers confirmed they entered the U.S. illegally and had paid Lopez-Hernandez to help them reach Florida in search of work. The case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking.
Lopez-Hernandez faces charges for his involvement in smuggling undocumented individuals into the country.
