A significant figure in a human smuggling network operating in the Los Angeles area has admitted to facilitating the illegal entry of approximately 20,000 individuals into the United States. In a twist of irony, this kingpin, Renjo-Matul, is himself unlawfully present in the country.

It’s important to clarify that Renjo-Matul is not merely an “undocumented immigrant” but rather someone who has violated U.S. immigration laws. His illegal entry into the country and subsequent activities of smuggling other individuals highlight the systemic issues within immigration enforcement.

Renjo-Matul’s operation involved a complex network that orchestrated the movement of people across borders, often employing coercive tactics and exploiting vulnerabilities.

In some instances, Renjo-Matul resorted to violent threats, including murder, to maintain control and ensure the success of his illicit business.

Having pleaded guilty, Renjo-Matul now faces the potential of spending the remainder of his life in prison, illustrating the severe legal consequences of his actions.

Here’s how his operation worked:

“After an illegal alien’s smuggling fee was paid, the illegal alien was transported by co-conspirators to another destination within the United States,” the DOJ said. “If an illegal alien’s smuggling fees were not paid, Renoj-Matul and other co-conspirators would hold that illegal alien against their will at the Westlake house until their fee was paid.”

In his plea agreement, Renoj-Matul admitted to smuggling about 20,000 people into the U.S. from 2019 through July 2024, sending them to destinations including Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

He wasn’t above threats of murder, either:

In one case, after a third party reneged on paying the smuggling fee, Renoj-Matul and his associates called the immigrant’s mother and warned her that her daughter “would come home in a box” if the money wasn’t sent, according to the DOJ. The victim was held hostage at the Westlake house for two months.

Renoj-Matul has pleaded guilty and faces a possible life sentence.