Suspect Arrested in 2022 Human Smuggling and Kidnapping Case

ALBUQUERQUE – A federal arrest has been made in connection with a 2022 kidnapping case involving two aliens who were held against their will by a smuggling organization.

According to court documents, HSI opened an investigation in October 2022 following reports of two aliens being held against their will by a smuggling organization at a residence. A search of the residence led to the discovery of two men who were being held against their will.

Through interviews, HSI agents learned that Alejandro Villalobos-Torres allegedly worked with co-conspirators to smuggle aliens into the U.S. and detained the two men against their will. The victims were reportedly threatened with physical harm, and one victim's family member was contacted to request additional money for the victim's release.

Villalobos-Torres was arrested on March 11, 2025, at the ICE Otero Processing Center. He is charged with conspiracy to take a hostage and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing, which is set for March 17, 2025.

If convicted of the current charges, Villalobos-Torres faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso investigated this case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s El Paso Field Office and U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy Castellano and Alyson Hehr are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.