'Coyote' Found Guilty of Smuggling

Sentencing Scheduled for April 2012

Tucson, Ariz. – A 26-year-old Mexican national was convicted in U.S. District Court Wednesday on three counts of smuggling aliens for private financial gain.

In November 2011, Casa Grande Border Patrol agents discovered several footprints after responding to detection technology while patrolling in the west desert. Agents tracked the footprints for several miles before encountering a group of individuals who had entered the United States illegally. All subjects were apprehended and transported to Casa Grande Station for processing.

During processing, agents identified one of the subjects, Berlain Galvez-Lopez, aka “El Chato,” as the foot guide, or “coyote.” A records check also revealed Galvez-Lopez had two prior immigration removals. After initial processing, the Tucson Sector’s Prosecution Unit submitted the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Galvez-Lopez’s sentencing is set for April 12. CBP is committed to ensuring that smugglers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling (877) 872-7435 toll free.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.