Utah AG Obtains Human Smuggling Conviction Involving Minors

AG: Utah Newsroom

Filed February 11th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The Utah Attorney General's Office announced a conviction against Miguel Angel Chay Tiguila for Aggravated Human Smuggling involving three minors. The conviction stems from a June 11, 2025, traffic stop where Tiguila was found transporting seven individuals not legally present in the U.S. for commercial purposes.

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What changed

The Utah Attorney General's Office secured a conviction against Miguel Angel Chay Tiguila, who was found guilty by a Grand County jury on three counts of Aggravated Human Smuggling, a first-degree felony under Utah law. The charges relate to an incident on June 11, 2025, where Tiguila was apprehended transporting seven individuals, including three minors aged 15 and 16, who were not legally present in the United States, for commercial purposes. The case was investigated by the SECURE Strike Force and prosecuted by the OAG.

This conviction highlights the serious legal consequences for human smuggling operations, particularly those involving minors. Tiguila remains in custody pending sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date. Regulated entities, particularly those involved in transportation or logistics, should ensure robust compliance with immigration laws and be aware of the severe penalties associated with facilitating illegal entry, especially when minors are involved. Law enforcement agencies should note the successful collaboration between state AG offices and local authorities in prosecuting such cases.

What to do next

Review internal policies for compliance with immigration laws.
Ensure all transportation-related activities adhere strictly to legal entry requirements.
Report any suspicious activities related to human smuggling to relevant authorities.

Penalties

Three counts of Aggravated Human Smuggling, first-degree felonies under Utah law.

Source document (simplified)

OAG obtains conviction in human smuggling involving minors

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A Grand County jury has found Miguel Angel Chay Tiguila guilty on three counts of Aggravated Human Smuggling, first-degree felonies under Utah law, each involving a minor. The case was prosecuted by the Office of the Utah Attorney General (OAG).

The conviction originates from a traffic stop conducted on June 11, 2025, in Grand County. During the stop, law enforcement officers found the defendant transporting seven individuals—four adults and three minors aged 15 and 16—who were not legally present in the United States. The minors were traveling without adult family members.

Investigators confirmed that the transportation was for a commercial purpose. During a routine stop, officers found over $1,200 in cash on the defendant and discovered multiple cellular phones inside the vehicle that were turned off.

On February 11, 2026, Tiguila was convicted by a Grand County jury in the Seventh District Court and remains in custody. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

The case was investigated by the SECURE Strike Force of the Utah Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement. Prosecutors Colleen Magee and Emma Bykerk, with assistance from Becca Lund and Carrie Martinez-Wolf, handled the prosecution.