Jaime Esparza is stepping down from his post as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, a role he has held since his confirmation by the U.S. Senate in late 2022, as reported by the United States Attorney’s Office. Prior to his federal position, Esparza was the District Attorney for the 34th Judicial District of Texas in El Paso, a tenure that spanned nearly three decades, from 1993 until 2020.
During his time as U.S. Attorney, Esparza led more than 41,000 federal criminal prosecutions, including cases involving immigration, drugs, firearms, white-collar crimes, and violent offenses across a district spanning 93,000 miles of the southern border. He also oversaw more than 10,000 civil cases. Esparza focused on disrupting criminal organizations, including gangs and cartels, and targeted smuggling rings. He advocated for public education on the dangers of fentanyl and illegal gun modifications while raising awareness about domestic violence.
In the civil realm, Esparza's leadership saw the defense of the United States in numerous civil actions, and the attainment of civil penalties against various individuals and entities under the False Claims Act. His asset recovery squad brought in millions in restitution for victims alongside forfeiting properties tied to criminal activities, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Western District of Texas is notable for its expanse, enveloping 68 counties and policing 660 miles of U.S./Mexico border. The district's legal teams work within District, Magistrate, and Bankruptcy Courts scattered throughout the vast territory and up into the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Following Esparza's departure, Margaret Leachman has stepped in as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District. Possessing over 30 years of experience with the Western District of Texas, Leachman has operated in several capacities, including Chief of Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney in Appellate and Major Crimes sections.
