Missing Teen Arrested for Human Trafficking Near Las Cruces
DEMING – A 17-year-old boy who was reported missing earlier this year has been arrested and charged with human trafficking after three migrants were discovered in the trunk of his vehicle near Las Cruces last month. According to New Mexico State Police, Leland Antonio Munoz Dominguez faces three counts of human trafficking and endangerment of a child, due to one of the migrants being a minor.
On June 26th, a State Police officer conducted a routine traffic stop on Interstate 25. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Dominguez, the teenager who had previously been reported missing. During the stop, the officer heard knocking sounds coming from the trunk of the vehicle. Upon investigation, three individuals were found inside, one of whom was 16 years old.
Dominguez was immediately detained, and Border Patrol agents were called to take custody of the migrants. Subsequently, Dominguez was booked into the Dona Ana County Juvenile Detention Center, where he faces serious charges for his involvement in human trafficking and child endangerment.