SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KRQE) — Two brothers have pled guilty in federal court to charges related to a smuggling and hostage incident in New Mexico. Saul Castorena, a 41-year-old, and 40-year-old Steven Castorena operated a smuggling stash house in Sunland Park, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says.
U.S. Border Patrol agents connected a house in Sunland Park to two groups of undocumented noncitizens that had been apprehended around January 2023. Those noncitizens told officials that they had been threatened and ordered to pay additional smuggling fees, the DOJ says.
Following the reports, Homeland Security agents surveilled the house and obtained a search warrant, the DOJ says. Inside, they found seven migrants being held against their will, including a child.
Now, the two brothers connected to the house have pled guilty to related crimes. Saul Castorena admitted to intentionally taking people hostage as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. Steven Castorena pled guilty to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.
Steven faces up to 10 years in prison and Saul potentially faces life in prison. Both are being held before their sentencing hearing.
