Two Colombian nationals are facing extradition to the U.S. for their alleged role in a human smuggling operation that resulted in the disappearance at sea of dozens of migrants. Rivera and Linero were arrested by Colombian authorities in coordination with the U.S. as part of Joint Task Force Alpha. Joint Task Force Alpha was started in 2021 with a focus on migrant smuggling through Central America and Mexico. Mandatory minimum sentences for migrant smuggling as a stand-alone offense are relatively low compared to similar offenses like drug smuggling, but these aggravating factors allow prosecutors to seek harsher punishments. While Joint Task Force Alpha was started by the Biden administration, analysts believe it is likely to continue or even expand under the incoming Trump administration.

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Persons: Hernando Manuel de la Cruz Rivera Orjuela, ”, Luis Enrique Linero, —, Rivera, Linero, Department’s, General Merrick B, Garland, Adam Isacson, ” Isacson, “, W, Berger, Biden, Trump Organizations: Agencia, The Agency, Court of, Task Force Alpha, Justice Department, La Agencia, Washington Office, Homeland Security Investigations, . Immigration, Customs Enforcement Locations: San Andrés, Nicaragua, United States, Court of Texas, Central America, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Darien, Colombian, Southern Mexico