A disturbing trend has emerged at the border between Mexico and the United States, shedding light on the lengths to which human smugglers, commonly known as “coyotes,” are willing to go to evade authorities. Teens, often lured by the promise of quick cash, are being recruited as drivers for human smuggling operations, leading to a surge in criminal charges, tragic accidents, and a new dimension of exploitation that demands immediate attention. This luring of teens often initiates through social media or online internet ads/postings advertising opportunities for making money.
The Enticement of Quick Money:
Coyotes are increasingly targeting vulnerable teenage drivers, often from low-income families, with the allure of earning a quick buck. In regions where economic opportunities are scarce, these teens are finding themselves drawn to the promise of easy money, despite the inherent dangers associated with their involvement. With promises of financial rewards, the teens are groomed into becoming unwitting accomplices in dangerous criminal activities. Often times, the teens do not know who or what they will be driving as they are simply told that drivers are needed.
Criminal Charges:
The recruitment of teens as drivers for human smuggling has led to a surge in criminal charges against them. These charges often include:
13-2319. Smuggling; classification; definitions
- It is unlawful for a person to intentionally engage in the smuggling of human beings for profit or commercial purpose.
- A violation of this section is a class 4 felony.
13-2323. Participating in a human smuggling organization or operation; classification
- A person commits participating in a human smuggling organization or operation by any of the following:
- Intentionally or knowingly organizing, managing, directing, supervising, coordinating, facilitating, leading, assisting, participating in or financing a human smuggling organization or operation that furthers the criminal objectives of the human smuggling organization or operation.
* * *
- Knowingly assisting a human smuggling organization or operation by transporting a person, or procuring the transportation for a person, with the intent to do either of the following:
(a) Conceal the person from a peace officer.
(b) Assist the person with fleeing from a peace officer who is attempting to lawfully arrest or detain the person.
- Participating in a human smuggling organization or operation is a class 2 felony.
- A person who is convicted of a violation of this section is not eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis except as specifically authorized by section 31-233, subsection A or B until the sentence imposed by the court has been served or commuted.
Many of the teens are driven by desperation or misguided intentions, find themselves facing legal consequences that can haunt them for the rest of their lives. The criminal justice system is tasked with addressing the complexities of prosecuting minors who have been manipulated into committing crimes, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive interventions.
Accidents and Tragedies:
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching consequence of this disturbing trend is when accidents result due to the inexperienced teens operating vehicles in high-stress situations. These accidents have led to injuries and even fatalities, both among the teens themselves and the people being smuggled. The lack of proper training and the pressure of sometimes being pressured to get away to avoid authorities often result in devastating outcomes.
When High Speeds Chases occur, the State often adds additional charges which include:
ARS 13-1201A Endangerment and ARS 28-622.01
To combat this alarming phenomenon, there’s a need for enhanced awareness in our communities vulnerable to exploitation by human smugglers. Educating parents and teenagers about the dangers of involvement in such criminal activities can act as a powerful deterrent.
In the event your child or a loved one finds himself/herself facing legal consequences due to this exploitation of teen drivers, feel free to reach out to the attorneys at Castillo Law for a free consultation by calling 602-795-6701 or 480-206-5204. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you.