Dominican National Pleads Guilty in Smuggling Operation That Took 11 Lives

Dominican national Fermin Montilla has pleaded guilty to his role in a human smuggling operation that led to 11 deaths.

At a Glance

Fermín Montilla, a Dominican national, pleaded guilty to involvement in a deadly human smuggling venture.
The smuggling attempt resulted in 11 migrant deaths.
Montilla faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.
The case was investigated by multiple U.S. agencies, including HSI San Juan.
Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge.

Details of the Case

Fermin Montilla admitted to participating in a maritime smuggling operation that attempted to bring migrants illegally to the U.S. The operation took place on the evening of May 12, 2022, and involved a total of 48 migrants. Tragically, the smuggling venture resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals.

Montilla was charged with one count of bringing migrants “to the United States at a place other than a designated point of entry resulting in death,” and he faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. His sentencing will be decided by a federal district court judge, who will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

Dominican National Pleads Guilty for Role in Human Smuggling Venture that Resulted in 11 Deaths. HSI San Juan⁩ investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, and P.R. Police Bureau. https://t.co/c8R2XuSSO3

— HSI San Juan (@HSISanJuan) September 16, 2024

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation into this human smuggling operation involved multiple U.S. agencies. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan led the probe, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. Montilla and 37 others were reportedly rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after their vessel sank off Puerto Rico.

The announcement of Montilla’s guilty plea was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico, and HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Angela Buckner and U.S. Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helena Daniel.

Broader Concerns

The tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about human smuggling networks and their risks to national security, public safety, and humanitarian concerns. The incident also highlights the surge in migrant fatalities, with 686 deaths and disappearances reported along the southern border land route in 2022.

The investigation is part of the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint effort between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. This program targets human smuggling networks that pose significant risks.