Federal authorities have unveiled charges against twelve individuals implicated in a sophisticated human smuggling and asylum fraud operation that targeted Cuban nationals. The scheme reportedly facilitated illegal entry into the United States for thousands, involving substantial money laundering and exploitation of the U.S. immigration system.
At the heart of the operation was ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC, which masqueraded as a legitimate immigration service. Court records reveal that the company filed misleading Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications, obstructed clients from accessing their accounts with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and falsified asylum claims without clients' consent.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi underscored the gravity of the crackdown, stating, “This DOJ is investigating and prosecuting human smuggling more aggressively than ever before, and Joint Task Force Alpha is the tip of the spear. We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people—including many unaccompanied children—face severe, comprehensive justice.”
The operation, which charged fees ranging from $1,500 to $40,000 per individual, utilized social media and encrypted messaging apps for advertisement. One such platform was a WhatsApp group titled “TRÁMITE DE ESTA Y VISA DE TURISMO A USA PARA CIUDADANOS ESPAÑOLES,” where they boasted of successful visa acquisitions to lure potential clients. The financial scope of the operation was staggering, with more than $2.5 million spent on flights and over $7 million laundered, resulting in earnings upward of $18 million.
The indictment also sheds light on the disturbing trafficking of unaccompanied minors. One instance detailed a teenage girl instructed to pretend to be the lifelong friend of an unrelated adult to bypass immigration controls. The accused individuals hail from various locations, including Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Cuba, facing charges of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering.
The investigation, led by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA)—a collaborative effort between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security—has made significant strides in combating human smuggling networks. Since its inception, JTFA has achieved over 355 convictions and made more than 410 arrests.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe praised the interagency cooperation: “Because of the coordination and diligence of our dedicated law enforcement agencies, their crimes have been thwarted. We will continue working with our partners to protect our national borders.” Meanwhile, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons emphasized the operation's detrimental effect on vulnerable individuals and public trust in the immigration system.
The case is part of a broader federal initiative, Operation Take Back America, which aims to dismantle human smuggling networks and shield American communities from transnational criminal organizations. This crackdown dovetails with other significant operations, such as the recent interdiction of chemical precursors used in the production of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The prosecution of this case falls under the purview of the DOJ’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, supported by a coalition of federal and international agencies.