The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez, a key figure in the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization (HSO). This Guatemala-based transnational criminal group is responsible for smuggling thousands of illegal migrants from Guatemala through Mexico into the United States. Hernandez Perez has reportedly coordinated with La Linea, a drug trafficking organization sanctioned by the U.S., linked to violent acts including the 2019 murders of nine American citizens in Sonora, Mexico.
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated, “Today’s action underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to targeting the criminal actors like Hernandez Perez and the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization, that perpetuate the illegal migration crisis and threaten the safety and security of Americans.” He emphasized that “Treasury is committed to using all available tools to disrupt these criminal schemes and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
An operation against Lopez HSO was initiated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso in 2023. This effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies across three states, leading to indictments and arrests. On July 25, 2024, further indictments were announced by the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico against members of Lopez HSO and an associate from La Linea.
OFAC has also issued an alert regarding sanctions risks for foreign financial institutions with ties to international cartels designated as terrorist organizations. The actions align with efforts to prioritize American security by targeting groups contributing to crime along the southern border.
In July 2024, OFAC sanctioned Lopez HSO and its members for smuggling activities involving fraudulent documents and cartel payments. The organization generated substantial illicit proceeds from these operations between September 2020 and 2023.
Hernandez Perez faces sanctions under Executive Order 13581 for her involvement with Lopez HSO. The action was coordinated with various U.S. agencies under programs aimed at combating drug cartels at the southern border.
As a result of these sanctions, any property or interests belonging to designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Violations may lead to civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and non-U.S. persons involved in sanction evasion or violations.
The aim of OFAC sanctions is not punitive but seeks positive behavioral change among those designated. Information on removal from OFAC lists can be found through their provided resources.
