A Los Fresnos resident has been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to smuggle an illegal alien further into the United States. Carlos Del Angel Bocanegra, aged 27, had pleaded guilty on November 25, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales sentenced Bocanegra to 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. During the hearing, evidence was presented showing that Bocanegra fled from law enforcement with four children in his vehicle. The court highlighted the potential danger his actions posed to both the public and his passengers.
"Alien smuggling is an incredibly dangerous practice, both for the people smuggled and for innocent bystanders," stated U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. "Fortunately, nobody was killed by Bocanegra’s actions, but the facts of this case could have easily turned tragic. I commend law enforcement for their excellent work in this case."
The incident occurred on August 27, 2024, when Bocanegra approached a Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville in a Chevy Tahoe with an adult passenger and four juveniles visible inside. He initially denied having any contraband or unlawful individuals in his vehicle. However, authorities soon found an illegal alien hidden under a passenger row seat.
Bocanegra then fled the checkpoint and led law enforcement on a highway chase before being quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
He remains in custody awaiting transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol with assistance from the Texas Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lamont prosecuted the case.