Texas woman surrenders in Union Pacific rail-container smuggling case that left 7 migrants dead

Karina Garcia, a 37-year-old Texas woman, surrendered to U.S. authorities on Tuesday in connection with a rail-container smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of seven migrants. The surrender occurred at a port of entry in Del Rio, Texas. Garcia is facing two federal charges that could lead to a life sentence if convicted.

Prosecutors allege that Garcia played a significant role in a scheme that spanned about three years, smuggling people from Mexico using cargo trains. The group charged each traveler between $1,500 and $10,000, according to prosecutors. The seven victims - migrants from Mexico and Honduras - died inside a freight container near Union Pacific tracks in Del Rio in May.

The container, which lacked ventilation and cooling, was loaded onto a Union Pacific train and transported east towards San Antonio. Smugglers opened the container in San Antonio, discovered the passengers in distress, and fled. Six bodies were found at the Laredo yard on May 10, and the seventh victim was discovered near tracks in San Antonio.

Four Mexican nationals and three Honduran nationals were among the victims, including a 14-year-old child. A message from at least one victim pleading for help was identified. Garcia is the second defendant to surrender, with the remaining defendant still at large. Border Patrol intelligence, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Marshals led the search for Garcia.

The case highlights the importance of rail and terminal security, as unauthorized access to a container can lead to serious safety, legal, and human consequences.