local
Woman who schemed to lure vulnerable migrants to US for sex work pleads guilty
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 15, 2026
· 5 min read
By Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN
(CNN) — Several years ago, a family came to the United States and took up a terrifying new endeavor: smuggling young, poor women from Central and South America into the country and forcing them into prostitution.
The scheme was rather straightforward, according to co...
Key takeaway But once they were on the way, the women were told that price had increased, often by tens of thousands of dollars.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The guilty plea of Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera brings attention to the darker side of El Paso 's role as a major border crossing point. The city's proximity to the US-Mexico border and its history of migration make it a vulnerable spot for human trafficking operations. Rivero-De Caldera's scheme, which preyed on young women from Central and South America, highlights the need for increased awareness and support for migrant communities in El Paso. Local organizations that provide aid to migrants and victims of human trafficking will likely play a crucial role in helping the survivors of Rivero-De Caldera's operation rebuild their lives. As the case against Rivero-De Caldera's codefendants moves forward, El Paso residents should be vigilant about the warning signs of human trafficking and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN
(CNN) — Several years ago, a family came to the United States and took up a terrifying new endeavor: smuggling young, poor women from Central and South America into the country and forcing them into prostitution.
The scheme was rather straightforward, according to co...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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