ICE HSI El Paso Charges 4 In Child-Smuggling Ring; Allegedly Used THC-Laced Gummies To Sedate Children

ICE HSI El Paso charged four people accused of smuggling unaccompanied children (ages 5–13) from Juárez into El Paso using false U.S. documents; prosecutors allege at least one child was given gummy candies laced with THC and required hospitalization. Charges were filed in the Western District of Texas for conspiracy to transport aliens and bringing aliens for financial gain. The case fits a regional pattern of increased prosecutions in the El Paso/Juárez corridor and raises child-protection and evidentiary concerns.