A woman suspected of leading a major human trafficking operation in Albuquerque was arrested on Wednesday evening in Oklahoma City. Yajair Lizzet Lara, also known as Lara Mendez, was apprehended by Border Patrol agents as part of a collaborative effort involving the Governor’s Organized Crime Commission, New Mexico State Police, and the U.S. Border Patrol.
Lara is considered one of the top five human traffickers in Albuquerque. Authorities believe she headed a criminal organization that ran a stash house in Albuquerque, where they trafficked migrants from Mexico into New Mexico. Investigators estimate that the operation collected over $500,000 from the illegal activity, with victims being forced to pay Lara.
Lara is now being transported back to Albuquerque, where she faces federal charges of human smuggling.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her support for the arrest, stating, “This is a victory in our battle against the scourge of human trafficking. The arrest of a top trafficker sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of our most vulnerable.”
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, who also chairs the Organized Crime Commission, vowed to continue aggressive efforts to prosecute human traffickers.
Lara’s capture is part of Operation Disruption, a law enforcement initiative launched last fall along the New Mexico-Mexico border aimed at targeting and dismantling human trafficking operations.
