A series of border security-related cases have been initiated, involving charges of illegal entry and reentry into the United States, human smuggling, and other offenses, as announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei in Houston. The period from March 28 to April 3 saw a total of 225 cases filed.
Among these cases, 70 individuals face allegations of illegal reentry into the country, with many having past felony convictions including narcotics, violent or sexual crimes, and previous immigration offenses. A total of 144 people face charges related to illegal entry. Some cases involve human smuggling, firearms, and assault on federal officers.
Two individuals are charged with alien smuggling that resulted in two deaths. The charges detail how Vicente Garcia Jr. and Jose Alexis Baeza-Combaluzier allegedly attempted to transport illegal aliens, leading to an incident where two individuals drowned, one being a 14-year-old child. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Four individuals charged with illegal reentry include two potential MS-13 gang members from El Salvador. Edwin Geovanny Parada-Granados and Misael Antonio Mendez-Mendez were both allegedly found in the U.S. after being previously removed. Nicolas Alberto Hernandez-Lopez, also from El Salvador, is charged with reentry after a prior conviction for second-degree sexual assault.
Another case involves Cesar Humberto Leal-Garcia, charged with illegal reentry and assault on federal officers. He allegedly attacked two Border Patrol agents when they attempted to take him into custody.
Pedro Cardiel Rodriguez, a Mexican national, faces charges of attempting to smuggle firearms and ammunition to Mexico.
In sentencing developments, Fidel Jose-Ramirez, a repeat illegal reentry offender, received a 33-month prison sentence. Arturo Cruz-Badillo was sentenced to 24 months for repeated DWI offenses along with prior removals from the country.
Elsewhere, Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo admitted to human smuggling that resulted in a death. Meanwhile, Cristina Amezcua Valencia, a Mexican citizen, was indicted for identity theft after allegedly applying for a U.S. passport using another’s identity.
These cases formed part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and criminal activities related to cartels and transnational organizations. The initiative involves various federal and local law enforcement agencies.
The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) remains heavily committed to ensuring public safety, with enhanced enforcement efforts at the border and within local communities. This district, noted for its high workload, collaborates with multiple agencies across several divisions to address federal crimes.
It is emphasized that an indictment or criminal complaint represents an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.