Matriarch of Trafficking Ring Pleads Guilty in Migrant Exploitation Case

Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, the leader of a family trafficking operation, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges including sex trafficking and money laundering. This scheme targeted vulnerable women from Central and South America, luring them with false promises of legitimate jobs in the U.S. Upon arrival, these women faced increased debts and were coerced into prostitution. Rivero-De Caldera, who entered the U.S. in 2022, could face life in prison. The Justice Department is prioritizing human trafficking as a significant criminal issue, with the industry generating an estimated $32 billion annually.

Key Details: • Rivero-De Caldera faces up to life in prison following her guilty plea. • The trafficking operation involved multiple family members and associates. • Victims were often surveilled and coerced into sex work to pay off inflated debts. • The Justice Department is enhancing its focus on human trafficking and child exploitation.