Texan Admits Smuggling Migrants in a US Flag-Draped Coffin

CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO – MAY 20: The border barrier between the U.S. (L) and Mexico runs down a hillside on May 20, 2019 as taken from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Approximately 1,000 migrants per day are being released by authorities in the El Paso sector of the U.S.-Mexico border amidst a surge in asylum seekers arriving at the Southern border. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) – A Texas man who transported two men from Mexico in a U.S. flag-draped coffin has pleaded guilty to human smuggling. Zachary Taylor Blood of Galveston faces to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for his plea this week in Corpus Christi federal court. Prosecutors say the van that 33-year-old Blood was driving arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias, Texas, on Oct. 26. Agents saw the coffin but noticed it was in poor condition with the U.S. flag taped to the lid with packing tape. A secondary inspection revealed two Mexican nationals inside.