Two Mexican nationals have been charged with conspiring to transport illegal aliens, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The individuals, identified as Jose Manuel Zamarripa-Torres, 38, and Daniel Flores-Hernandez, 19, are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano.
The criminal complaint details an incident on March 20 when law enforcement observed a raft crossing the Rio Grande River from Mexico into the United States. Zamarripa-Torres allegedly picked up five illegal aliens from this raft in a Ford SUV. Among those was Flores-Hernandez, who is accused of being the brush guide.
When law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, Zamarripa-Torres reportedly fled and failed to yield. Authorities deployed vehicle immobilization devices during the pursuit, but Zamarripa-Torres continued driving until crashing into an occupied civilian vehicle, a power pole, and a fence after a 6.1-mile chase.
If found guilty, both Zamarripa-Torres and Flores-Hernandez could face up to 10 years in federal prison along with a possible $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and not evidence of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.