Migrants exploited in California under “work for smuggling” scheme
A couple from California is facing charges for running a “work for smuggling” scheme from 2021 to 2024. The accusations include forcing migrants to work without pay at their home and stealing their wages from a local McDonald’s.
Exploiting migrants under threats of harm
According to the indictment filed on February 19, Carolina Rojas, 50, and Jairo John Gastelo, 45, used “threats of serious harm” to control their victims.
“The defendants smuggled individuals into the United States and exploited them for their own financial gain,” stated U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally.
Rojas and Gastelo are also facing charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor and four counts of forced labor. Rojas faces additional charges, including four counts of trafficking for forced labor.