A series of immigration and border security cases were announced this week by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, demonstrating ongoing efforts to secure the southern border. Throughout April 11 to 17, 216 cases were filed, including 205 charges of illegal entry or reentry, encompassing human smuggling cases.
Among those charged, 86 individuals allegedly reentered the U.S. unlawfully after previous deportations, many with prior felony convictions. Allegations include narcotics, firearms, or sexual offenses. Alejandro Contreras-Zapata, a Mexican national, was found near Roma and reportedly faced a 20-year sentence for aggravated assault before removal. Erika Camacho-Rodriguez, also from Mexico, reportedly returned illegally after being deported on March 31, after her conviction for transporting illegal aliens. Cesar Garcia-Rivas, another Mexican citizen, was found near Rio Grande City following a 70-month kidnapping sentence.
Three men were apprehended near Laredo with recent deportations: Daniel Fimbres and Jose Alejandro Rodriguez-Panjol, deported in February, and Delfino Lopez-Roque, deported in November 2024. These individuals and others face potential 20-year federal prison sentences for illegal reentry if convicted.
Additional cases include a 25-year-old Laredo woman convicted for attempting to smuggle a child into the U.S. by having him assume her biological son's identity for $2,500. Jose Rodriguez Jr. was found guilty of possessing child sexual abuse material after a swift jury deliberation. Authorities discovered 150 images upon his arrest for transporting aliens in August 2024.
A further indictment involved firearms offenses against two illegal aliens and a Laredo man. The investigation, triggered by finding a crime-involving firearm, led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and machine gun conversion devices. Erick Lopez Jr. faces a machine gun possession charge, while Erick Lopez-Rivera Sr. and Marcos Lora-Morales face charges related to ammunition possession. Lopez-Rivera Sr. was additionally charged with felony reentry.
Federal law enforcement assistance, including agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI, supports these enforcement operations under Operation Take Back America. This initiative aims to eliminate illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and criminal organizations. The Southern District of Texas remains a vigorous judicial district focusing on public safety and border security, underscoring these priorities under current leadership.
The Southern District of Texas, one of the busiest in the nation, encompasses 43 counties and a population exceeding nine million. Prosecutions involve collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement. It is emphasized that an indictment or complaint only constitutes a formal accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.