Sergio Josue Palomera from Chula Vista has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for smuggling undocumented immigrants, resulting in their deaths. The sentencing took place in San Diego, following a fatal incident on October 22, 2024.
Palomera had picked up two undocumented immigrants near the U.S.–Mexico border in Otay Mesa. Border Patrol agents, using remote video surveillance, observed the pick-up and attempted to stop Palomera’s vehicle as it traveled west on State Route 905. Initially appearing to comply with the agent’s signals, Palomera accelerated through a red light and re-entered the highway at high speed. The pursuit was terminated when the agent lost sight of the vehicle.
Traveling over 110 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone, Palomera lost control of his car, resulting in a rollover crash. The female passenger was ejected and died instantly, while the male passenger succumbed to his injuries later that day.
U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson described the offense as “very aggravated,” highlighting its impact on families: “has deprived a little girl of her mother, has deprived that little girl’s father of his wife, and has deprived another family of their son.”
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated: “This defendant treated human lives as disposable cargo – and two people paid the ultimate price.” He emphasized that the sentence reflects serious consequences for prioritizing profit over human life.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker remarked: “We are glad Mr. Palomera will be held accountable for his irresponsible and senseless actions.” He stressed the risks involved with relying on human smugglers.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett under Case Number 24cr2466. It falls under charges related to Transportation of Certain Aliens Resulting in Death according to Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (B)(iv), which carries penalties up to death or life imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by United States Border Patrol and is part of Operation Take Back America—a federal initiative led by the Department of Justice and Homeland Security aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
