Nearly 200 cases have been filed in the past week concerning immigration and border security, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Among these cases, almost 100 individuals face charges for illegally re-entering the United States, many with prior felony convictions related to narcotics, violent crimes, and previous immigration offenses. Over 80 are charged with illegal entry into the country, while 12 cases involve human smuggling.
This week's notable cases include an indictment of a dozen individuals accused of assaulting officers at the East Hidalgo Detention Center in La Villa. If convicted, they could face up to eight years in federal prison.
Additionally, two South Texas bakery owners have been indicted for harboring illegal aliens at Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café. Law enforcement identified several employees who were allegedly in the U.S. illegally or on B1/B2 visas without work authorization.
Sentencing has also occurred for several individuals involved in border-related crimes against the United States. Marvin Reyes led an organization smuggling aliens through Corpus Christi and was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison while forfeiting $1 million. His operation reportedly transported over 200 aliens over three years.
Joe Adam Escobedo received a sentence of 69 months for smuggling dozens of people into the U.S., using a tractor trailer to transport them through the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint.
Carlos Del Angel Bocanegra was sentenced to 24 months after attempting to smuggle an illegal alien further into the country and fleeing from authorities when discovered.
Jesus Alberto Castro-Garza will serve 106 months in federal prison for re-entering the U.S. illegally after being removed multiple times since his first removal in 2019.
The Southern District of Texas prioritizes public safety and border security under its current leadership. The district covers 43 counties and works with law enforcement partners at various levels to prosecute federal crimes.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct but not evidence; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.