PHOENIX, Ariz. – A federal grand jury has indicted Edgar Guadalupe Jimenez-Aguilar, an illegal alien residing in Phoenix, on charges of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and possession with intent to distribute heroin. The indictment follows a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol, and multiple Arizona law enforcement agencies.
Authorities identified Jimenez-Aguilar as a key smuggler who transported undocumented migrants from Pinal and Pima counties to Phoenix. He also operated a stash house and recruited drivers to move migrants.
On Oct. 3, 2024, the Tohono O’odham Police Department stopped a vehicle carrying four undocumented migrants, including two hidden in the trunk. The driver, who had been recruited via social media, admitted to working for Jimenez-Aguilar. On Jan. 28, law enforcement stopped Jimenez-Aguilar in Mesa and discovered 297 grams of black tar heroin in his vehicle.
“This indictment highlights the disturbing reality that individuals like Jimenez-Aquilar are prioritizing personal profit over human lives,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola.
If convicted, Jimenez-Aguilar faces up to 40 years in prison for drug trafficking and up to 10 years for migrant smuggling.
