Two Guatemalans sentenced for migrant kidnapping, extortion scheme

Tomas Mateo Gaspar and Isaias David Jose held 11 migrants for ransom in New Mexico stash house

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Two men from Guatemala, Tomas Mateo Gaspar and Isaias David Jose, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a scheme to kidnap and extort ransom from 11 migrants being held in a New Mexico stash house. The men allegedly took the migrants' phones and shoes, threatened them, and demanded up to $18,000 from their families to secure their release.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and migrant exploitation along the U.S.-Mexico border, where criminal organizations often target vulnerable migrants seeking to enter the country. The sentencing sends a strong message that such crimes will be prosecuted, but the broader problem of migrant abuse remains a major concern for border communities.

The details

Gaspar and Jose allegedly held the 11 migrants, including an unaccompanied minor, at a residence in Albuquerque, New Mexico between February 23 and March 2, 2025. They took the migrants' cellphones and shoes and threatened them with harm if they tried to leave, prosecutors said. The migrants' families were then contacted and told to pay ransoms of up to $18,000 to secure their release, with the threat that they would be turned over to violent criminal groups like the Zetas cartel and Mexican Mafia if the money was not paid.

  • The migrants were held captive from February 23 to March 2, 2025.
  • Gaspar and Jose were arrested by the FBI at the Albuquerque residence in March 2025.
  • On February 3, 2026, Gaspar was sentenced to 18 months in prison, while Jose received 22 months.

The players

Tomas Mateo Gaspar

A Guatemalan man who was convicted of conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens for his role in the migrant kidnapping and extortion scheme.

Isaias David Jose

A Guatemalan man who was convicted of conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens for his role in the migrant kidnapping and extortion scheme.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that investigated the case and arrested Gaspar and Jose.

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What they’re saying

“He is before this court on an enterprise he personally administered, for the victims with whom he personally interacted. To the victims, including the one whose wife's receipt of ransom demands led to the FBI and for the tiny young lady who spoke no English and had not reached 18 years of age, (Gaspar and Jose) were the criminal organization.”

— U.S. Attorney's Office

“Gaspar alleged in court he played a minor role in the events and was a 'committed Catholic.' His daughter sent a handwritten letter in Spanish to U.S. District Judge Matthew L. Garcia, telling him what a good man her father was and 'has never done anything bad.'”

— Tomas Mateo Gaspar, Defendant

What’s next

The two men will be deported to Guatemala once they complete their prison sentences.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of human trafficking and migrant exploitation along the U.S.-Mexico border, where criminal organizations often target vulnerable migrants seeking to enter the country. While the sentencing of Gaspar and Jose sends a strong message, the broader issue remains a major concern for border communities.