Human smuggler leaves Salvadorian family behind

The family managed to survive for three days in the desert

MEXICALI, B.C. (KYMA, KECY) - A human smuggler leaves a Salvadorian family in the desert after promising he would get them across the border.

Their coyote left the mother Cecilia Guadalupe Meléndez, 33, the father, Juan Francisco Ortíz, 37, and their two children, ages 15 and one, in the desert on April 29.

Meléndez says the coyote disappeared without a trace. She says they paid the man $8,000 to cross them to the other side of the border.

The Director of Public Security of Mexicali, Alejandro Lora, says they provided medical attention and support after arriving at the police station. He adds the family managed to survive for three days in La Rumorosa.

Officials are now taking the next steps to deport the family back to their country of origin.

Lora said migrants continue to cross the desert through Mexicali, La Rumorosa, and San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora. So far this year, Mexicali police have arrested four human smugglers at the border wall and four others for damaging the border fence.