In a disturbing yet telling case that highlights the dire need for strong border enforcement, two criminal aliens are now facing federal charges in New Mexico for harboring and smuggling illegal immigrants — a direct result of the failed, one-term Biden administration’s weak border policies and a stark reminder of why President Trump’s tough-on-crime, tough-on-border-security agenda is more necessary than ever.
According to a press release from the Department of Justice and the unsealed indictment, Isaias David Jose and Tomas Mateo Gaspar were arrested following an FBI-led operation that uncovered a disturbing kidnapping-for-ransom scheme in Albuquerque. The duo allegedly ran a stash house holding 11 illegal immigrants, including an unaccompanied minor, in inhumane conditions. Victims reported being locked in rooms, threatened with violence or with being handed over to the brutal Zeta Cartel — a transnational criminal organization known for its savage brutality.
It all began on March 1, 2025, when the FBI received a complaint about a kidnapping. The perpetrators demanded a ransom of 90,000 Guatemalan quetzales (approximately $11,600 USD) and threatened to transfer the victim to the Zeta Cartel if payment wasn’t received. In an effort to terrorize the family into compliance, “proof of life” videos were sent showing the victim in captivity.
By March 2, federal agents used phone data to locate the hideout — a barely furnished residence in southwest Albuquerque packed with over 20 cell phones, a smuggling ledger, and the terrified detainees. Victims identified both Jose and Gaspar as the ringleaders who made the ransom videos and enforced the threats.
They were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324 — charges that could land them each up to five years in prison. The case is being prosecuted under “Operation Take Back America,” an aggressive Department of Justice initiative designed to root out human smuggling rings, dismantle cartel networks, and defend American communities from the chaos unleashed by illegal immigration.
This case underscores a hard truth: human smugglers and cartel-linked traffickers are not only exploiting America’s open-border policies, they are bringing their violent tactics deep into our cities, and people are paying the price.
While the Biden administration turned a blind eye and continued dismantling Trump-era enforcement policies (which are now restored), this arrest is a stark reminder of why strong, uncompromising immigration enforcement is essential to American safety and sovereignty. President Trump’s leadership and Operation Take Back America offer a blueprint for restoring law and order and securing our borders once and for all.
New Mexicans should be proud of and support these federal efforts to crack down on human trafficking and illegal immigration. It’s time to build the wall, secure the border, and deport those who violate our nation’s laws — before more innocent lives are put at risk.
To read more about the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and read the indictment, click here.
Why is this report still speaking of the Biden administration in the present tense? Anyway, good work done by the FBI!
It’s not; it is speaking of the Biden admin in the past tense. This is a huge crime! Why is this the only place I’ve read of it?
The Southwest and New Mexico are a gaping hole in the United States, why are you people even claiming American citizenship? If you want the cartels so badly, the 1830 border and fence is starting to sound pretty good.
I guess MLG and her minions will desperately defend the cartels and fight strongly against the Federal government, since they don’t stand for NM citizens just criminals and terrorists. Did those in our NM trash government already KNOW about what was going on and chose not to do anything but protect it? I wouldn’t be surprised if they were part of it.
Repost these articles on your social media, we have to let America know what is happening to and in our beautiful state!
why isn’t this on Koat or krque or kkob?
so yeah I remember.
KOB 4 was really talking about the protest before and after the event. They are too woke.. gotta go.