Honduran Police Arrest Suspected Human Smuggler Charging Thousands for U.S. Transit

Authorities in Honduras have apprehended a 42-year-old man accused of operating as a human smuggler, or "coyote." The Directorate of Police Investigations (DPI) arrested the suspect in El Rosario, Comayagua, on charges of facilitating irregular migration to the United States.

According to investigative reports, the alleged trafficker, who works as a merchant, belonged to a criminal network that charged migrants between $2,500 and $3,000 per person. The organization reportedly promised to provide falsified documents to help individuals evade immigration controls and enter the U.S. illegally.

One documented case involved a victim who paid $7,600 in 2023 to arrange the transit of several family members. However, instead of reaching the United States, the migrants were allegedly handed over to a criminal organization in Mexico. Subsequently, they were deported back to Honduras, never achieving their intended destination.

The arrest followed investigations and complaints filed by victims. A warrant for the suspect's arrest was issued by the Comayagua Judicial Section Court on June 20, 2025, for the crime of illicit human trafficking. He has been transferred to the competent court to face legal proceedings.