New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (left) and David Schweikert, Chair of the Joint Economic Committee and U.S. Representative from Arizona (right) | Facebook/Wikipedia
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (left) and David Schweikert, Chair of the Joint Economic Committee and U.S. Representative from Arizona (right) | Facebook/Wikipedia
A woman suspected of leading a significant human trafficking operation in Albuquerque has been arrested, marking an important step in combating organized crime in New Mexico. The arrest was carried out by a multi-agency law enforcement team.
The Governor’s Organized Crime Commission collaborated with New Mexico State Police and the U.S. Border Patrol to apprehend Yajair Lizzet Lara, also known as Lara Mendez, on February 5. Law enforcement officials have identified Lara as one of the top five human traffickers in Albuquerque.
Governor Lujan Grisham stated, "This is a victory in our battle against the scourge of human trafficking. The arrest of a top trafficker sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of our most vulnerable. This is just the beginning— we will continue to work with law enforcement and advocates to see that justice is served."
Sam Bregman, Bernalillo County District Attorney and Chairman of the Organized Crime Commission, added, "The Organized Crime Commission is relentless and will continue to go after people who traffic human beings."
Investigations suggest that Lara led an organization operating a stash house in Albuquerque, accumulating over $500,000 by illegally smuggling migrants from Mexico into New Mexico and forcing them to pay her.
Lara was arrested by border patrol agents in Oklahoma City on Wednesday evening. She is currently being transported back to Albuquerque to face federal charges related to human smuggling.
This arrest is part of Operation Disruption, which began last fall along the New Mexico/Mexico border with the aim of targeting and arresting human traffickers.
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