18 alleged members of Arizona migrant smuggling group arrested [Video]

YUMA, Ariz. — Eighteen people have been arrested and indicted on multiple conspiracy charges for their alleged involvement with a Yuma-based migrant smuggling ring.

One of the men, 24-year-old Carlos Moreno-Serrano, was named as the leader of the group in the indictments.

The defendants are accused of being part of the smuggling group known as La Mesa. The group was reportedly working for the criminal organization Los Rusos to transport people illegally across the border, according to a press release from the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona.

La Mesa had reportedly smuggled “hundreds” of undocumented noncitizens across the U.S.-Mexico border. Prior to the arrests, the group also coordinated smuggling events, found drivers, ran stash houses and paid out drivers, the release …