Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Border & Immigration

Woman, 85, Gets Prison For Human Smuggling

Grandmother Sentenced
Grandmother Sentenced

Felicitas Gurrola was the head of a mostly female smuggling ring that brought an average of 80 illegal migrants from Tijuana to Los Angeles each month. They charged between $3,000 to $3,500 a person.

Her small family-run smuggling operation is now a rarity along the border. Violent criminal organizations have taken over the human smuggling business, which is endangering the lives of many poor migrants paying more and more money to cross illegally into the U.S.

Gurrola was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Two other women, including Gurrola's daughter, Hilda Moreno Gurrola, also received prison terms.

Advertisement

Neither the prosecutors, nor Gurrola's attorney, could be reached for comment.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.