Sergio Josue Palomera, a resident of Chula Vista, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for smuggling undocumented immigrants. The incident led to the deaths of two individuals he was transporting.
On October 22, 2024, Palomera picked up a man and a woman near the U.S.–Mexico border in Otay Mesa. Border Patrol agents monitored this activity through remote video surveillance. An agent pursued Palomera’s vehicle on State Route 905 after activating lights and sirens. Initially appearing to yield, Palomera accelerated through a red light back onto the highway, evading the pursuing agent who eventually terminated the chase.
Palomera drove at speeds exceeding 110 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone. He lost control of his vehicle shortly thereafter, causing it to roll over. The female passenger was ejected from the car and died instantly; the male passenger succumbed to head injuries later that evening at a hospital.
During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson described the crime as “very aggravated,” highlighting its impact on families affected by the tragedy.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated: “This defendant treated human lives as disposable cargo – and two people paid the ultimate price.” He added that smugglers would continue to be held accountable for their actions.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker commented on the case’s significance: “We are glad Mr. Palomera will be held accountable for his irresponsible and senseless actions.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett prosecuted this case under Case Number: 24cr2466 against Sergio Josue Palomera, age 23.
The charges included Transportation of Certain Aliens Resulting in Death under Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (B)(iv), with potential penalties including death or life imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.
The United States Border Patrol investigated this case alongside California Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America—a federal initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
