A Mexican national residing illegally in Laredo has admitted to unauthorized reentry and human smuggling, as declared by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The individual, 36-year-old Jesus Hernandez-Herrera, has previously been removed from the United States five times.
The law enforcement incident began on December 10, 2024, when authorities conducted surveillance on Clark Boulevard, a known area for human smuggling operations. During their observation, authorities spotted a Ford Expedition and a Cadillac traveling together. At an intersection, three suspected illegal aliens approached the vehicles. Subsequently, officials followed the Expedition to Green Street, where they witnessed suspected illegal aliens entering the vehicle. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Hernandez-Herrera, the driver, initiated a high-speed chase, reaching up to 95 miles per hour and maneuvering through heavy traffic.
The pursuit concluded when Hernandez-Herrera collided with two other vehicles on Santa Maria Avenue. Following the crash, Hernandez-Herrera and four illegal aliens fled on foot. Hernandez-Herrera ran into oncoming traffic but was apprehended before crossing onto the southbound lanes of IH-35. Authorities later found four more illegal aliens and approximately 50.8 kilograms of marijuana at the Green Street residence.
"This is precisely the type of dangerous behavior we need to deter through vigorous enforcement of our immigration laws," said Ganjei. "Here you have human smuggling, drugs, high-speed flight from officers, and a car crash. The Laredo community shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of such reckless criminality, and the Southern District of Texas is working hard to make sure they don’t have to. Similar offenders will find themselves in the same position, that being federal charges and a long prison stay."
Hernandez-Herrera is set to face sentencing before U.S. District Judge John Kazen. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fined a maximum of $250,000. Until the hearing, Hernandez-Herrera will remain in custody.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch.