SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A Dominican national pleaded guilty today to his involvement in a human smuggling operation that led to the deaths of 11 migrants, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Fermín Montilla, 45, admitted to one count of bringing undocumented individuals into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry, resulting in death.
Montilla’s guilty plea comes in connection with a May 12, 2022, maritime smuggling operation in which 48 people were unlawfully brought to the U.S. by boat. Court documents indicate that Montilla knowingly participated in the venture, which tragically ended with the deaths of 11 migrants.
Montilla faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. His sentencing will be determined later this year by a federal district court judge, who will take into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Juan, with support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. The announcement of the 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 Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos.
Montilla’s plea marks a significant development in the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human smuggling operations that put lives at risk in dangerous and illegal journeys.
