The Brief

Manuel Valenzuela, an El Paso resident, pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a human smuggling operation.

The operation smuggled unaccompanied children as young as five across the border, allegedly using THC-laced candy to sedate them.

Valenzuela faces a mandatory minimum of 11 years in prison; co-defendants and final sentencing details are pending.

TEXAS - An El Paso resident pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a human smuggling operation that brought unaccompanied children as young as five across the U.S.-Mexico border, sometimes using candy laced with THC to sedate them during the process.

THC-Laced Candy

The Latest:

Manuel Valenzuela, 35, pleaded guilty on Nov. 6 to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens and three counts of aiding and abett

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