U.S., El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico arrest 36 human smugglers

The United States, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico arrested 36 alleged human smugglers during a large-scale multinational operation called "Operation Lucero."

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the operation resulted in 17 arrests in El Salvador, seven in Guatemala and 12 in Mexico.

In addition to the arrests, 39 undocumented migrants were rescued, including 10 unaccompanied minors, 14 accompanied minors and 15 adults.

During the operation, authorities seized 22 properties -20 in Guatemala and two in Mexico- valued in over US$2 million.

Also, four bank accounts containing the equivalent of US$142,000, and bulk cash valued at US$46,000 were seized, as well as 22 vehicles, six weapons, three smuggling boats, 11 boat engines, ammunition, bank cards, communication devices and an documents corroborating human smuggling.

"This operation was the direct result of the partnerships we've built and we will continue working to reinforce and grow these partnerships," said ICE Director Sarah R. Saldaña. "We are sending a clear message to human smugglers that crossing borders will not protect them from the long arm of justice."