Jesus Ortiz-Plata : “Immigrant Smuggling Operation: Two Arrested at Peace Arch Crossing”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Peace Arch crossing immigrant smuggling
2. Arrested immigrant smuggling operation

Two men were arrested in Blaine, WA for their suspected involvement in a human smuggling ring that operated through the border. Homeland Security and Border Protection agents began investigating the operation in July 2023, leading to the arrest of 45-year-old Jesus Ortiz-Plata and his suspected partner, 34-year-old Juan Cuellar Medina. Ortiz-Plata used cell phones to guide illegal immigrants across the border in Blaine and pick them up, with at least six cases identified since 2022. The suspects were found with three illegal immigrants in Everett and brought to Ferndale for questioning before being booked into Whatcom County Jail and transferred to federal custody.

Arrests Made in Human Smuggling Ring at Peace Arch Crossing

Located in the beautiful town of Blaine, Washington, the Peace Arch Crossing has long been a symbol of unity between the United States and Canada. However, this serene border crossing was the site of a shocking revelation on Thursday, May 23, when two men were arrested for their involvement in a human smuggling ring.

Years-Long Investigation Unravels

It all began in July 2023, when Homeland Security and Border Protection agents launched an investigation into a suspected human smuggling operation that had been operating through the Peace Arch Crossing in Blaine. What they uncovered was a sophisticated network that had been facilitating the illegal entry of immigrants into the country for years.

Suspects Identified

During the course of their investigation, agents identified a key suspect as 45-year-old Jesus Ortiz-Plata. It was revealed that Ortiz-Plata had been using cell phones to guide illegal immigrants across the border in Blaine and pick them up on the other side. In at least six separate cases since 2022, illegal immigrants who had been apprehended were found to have the same phone number linked to Ortiz-Plata.

GPS Tracking Leads to Arrests

Thanks to GPS tracking data, Homeland Security agents were able to locate Ortiz-Plata in Everett on Thursday morning. He was found in the company of three illegal immigrants and a suspected co-conspirator. The group was swiftly transported to Ferndale for questioning, where investigators gathered enough evidence to arrest both Ortiz-Plata and his alleged partner, 34-year-old Juan Cuellar Medina.

Legal Proceedings

Following their arrest, Ortiz-Plata and Cuellar Medina were booked into the Whatcom County Jail late on Thursday night. Subsequently, they were transferred into federal custody and appeared in US District Court in Seattle the following day. The legal process is now underway as authorities work to dismantle the human smuggling ring and bring those responsible to justice.

As the investigation continues to unfold, the Peace Arch Crossing remains a beacon of hope and unity amidst the dark shadow of criminal activity. The tireless efforts of law enforcement serve as a reminder that no border is impenetrable to justice.