South Texas man faces up to life in prison for 3 deaths, following ICE HSI, federal partner assisted investigation

LAREDO, Texas – A south Texas man plead guilty to conspiracy to transport noncitizens resulting in death, following investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Abraham J. Ahumada, 23, of Laredo, went before U.S. District Judge, Marina Garcia Marmolejo to plead guilty for conspiracy to transport noncitizens resulting in death. During his court hearing, he admitted to leaving the victims behind after a car accident

According to court documents, on Nov. 13, 2021, Ahumada drove a black Nissan Murano down U.S. Highway 83. Law enforcement attempted to pull him over, but he proceeded to flee. He did not yield and instead accelerated above the speed limit. Ahumada disregarded a red light during the pursuit along U.S. 83 and collided with a passenger vehicle crossing the intersection with the right of way. The collision resulted in three deaths. Two individuals in Ahumada’s vehicle were pronounced dead on the scene as well as a woman who was traveling struck the vehicle with children. The three children suffered major bodily injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Ahumada is scheduled to be sentenced July 28. At that time, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Ahumada remains custody pending that hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez , Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting the case.

HSI San Antonio continues to address the serious public safety threat posed by human smuggling organizations and their reckless disregard for the health and safety of the people they exploit. To report suspicious smuggling activity, you are urged to call 1-866-348-2423.

HSI is a directorate of ICE and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 special agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.