California: Two men admit kidnapping migrants and demanding ransom

By Erick León

Miguel Ángel Avila, of Hemet, and Omar Avila Salmeron, of South Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and offenses related to transporting migrants. According to their plea agreements, victims were held while money was demanded from their families.

Prosecutors reported on October 21 that the operation led by Avila ran from July 2022 through April 2023. Salmeron also admitted a firearms offense; almost 50 firearms were found in his home. Both had been detained since 2024.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice: Inland Empire Man Who Led Criminal Ring that Smuggled Illegal Immigrants in U.S. Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping, Conspiracy Charges. Statement dated October 21, 2026.

Read the original Spanish version. Originally published on October 25, 2026.

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