On May 19, 2025, federal authorities arrested Luis Alonso Argueta-Diaz, a 35-year-old man from Virginia, for his alleged role in coordinating and financing the illegal entry of a 17-year-old unaccompanied minor from Honduras into the United States. The arrest followed an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with support from other federal and state partners.
The case originated on May 3, when U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended the Honduran minor near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The minor had entered the U.S. without inspection. Further investigation revealed that Argueta-Diaz had arranged for her travel and paid part of the smuggling costs. During an interview with HSI, he admitted that he intended for the minor to live with him and help care for his children. A criminal complaint by the Department of Justice stated Argueta-Diaz paid the girl’s mother $2,000 “for the purpose of smuggling the minor into the United States.” Argueta-Diaz allegedly was going to pay a total of $20,000.
Argueta-Diaz was taken into custody in Virginia without incident and has been charged with conspiracy to transport an illegal alien. He is being held in local custody pending trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is overseeing the prosecution. Authorities emphasized that facilitating unlawful migration not only endangers vulnerable children but also undermines public safety and border security. The case highlights continued efforts by ICE to disrupt networks and individuals involved in human smuggling and illegal transport activities.
