Mexican national admits role in fatal human smuggling attempt

LAREDO, Texas – A 19-year-old illegal alien has pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport illegal aliens resulting in death and bringing three illegal aliens into the United States for financial gain. Gerardo David Zarate Martinez admitted he participated in the smuggling scheme in exchange for payment. On Jan. 8, law enforcement encountered a white SUV in Laredo suspected of being involved in human smuggling. As authorities followed the vehicle, the driver accelerated, ran multiple red lights, and ultimately crashed into a utility pole. Following the crash, authorities discovered two illegal aliens unresponsive in the rear of the SUV. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. As part of his plea, Zarate Martinez admitted an individual in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, offered to pay him to guide a group of illegal aliens further into the United States after they crossed the Rio Grande. A juvenile drove the SUV while Zarate Martinez rode in the passenger seat. After the crash, both attempted to flee. U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 10. At that time, Zarate Martinez faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.