A Milwaukee Police officer cleans up the scene around a vehicle involved in an accident involving a school bus near the intersection on North Fond du Lac Avenue and West Armitage Avenue in Milwaukee on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
Chula Vista, California – A Chula Vista man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday after a high-speed crash killed two undocumented migrants he was smuggling near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Sergio Josue Palomera, 23, admitted to transporting the two migrants, a man and a woman, who died after he lost control of his vehicle while fleeing Border Patrol officers on October 22, 2024.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Border Patrol agents spotted Palomera loading the two individuals into his car in Otay Mesa using remote video surveillance. Agents then attempted to pull him over as he drove west on State Route 905. Initially appearing to comply, Palomera slowed and moved toward an offramp—before suddenly accelerating and running a red light to evade law enforcement.
Authorities say he sped down the highway at more than 110 mph in a 65-mph zone before losing control of the vehicle. The car flipped and rolled over, ejecting the female passenger, who died at the scene. The male passenger was critically injured and later died at a hospital.
Palomera pleaded guilty to charges of transportation of certain aliens resulting in death, a federal offense that could have led to a death sentence or life imprisonment. Under his plea agreement, he will face sentencing in July, though specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
“This reckless and tragic act underscores the dangers of human smuggling,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Smugglers often prioritize evading capture over human life, leading to deadly consequences.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about human trafficking along the border, where high-speed chases and fatal smuggling attempts have become increasingly common. Border Patrol officials warn that criminal organizations frequently exploit migrants, putting their lives at risk by cramming them into unsafe vehicles and fleeing from law enforcement at dangerous speeds.
Palomera remains in federal custody as he awaits sentencing. If convicted without a plea deal, he could have faced life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Authorities urge migrants to avoid human smugglers and seek legal avenues to enter the U.S. “This is a heartbreaking reminder that illegal border crossings facilitated by smugglers often end in tragedy,” the spokesperson added.
Palomera’s sentencing is scheduled for July, where he could face decades in prison for the deadly crash.
