The Southern District of Texas has charged more than 200 individuals with immigration-related offenses. A statement from the Department of Justice confirms that the cases include charges such as illegal re-entry by individuals with prior felony convictions and human smuggling, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Nearly half of the new cases involve individuals charged with illegally re-entering the U.S., some with prior felony convictions. More than 80 cases involve first-time illegal entry. Twelve individuals face human smuggling charges. Additionally, 12 undocumented individuals were indicted for assaulting government officers at the East Hidalgo Detention Center, with potential sentences of up to eight years. Two South Texas bakery owners were indicted for allegedly harboring undocumented workers after a February 12 worksite action at Abby's Bakery and Dulce's Café, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Several individuals have been sentenced for border-related offenses in the Southern District of Texas. Marvin Reyes, who helped smuggle illegal aliens through checkpoints and arrange private flights, was sentenced to 108 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $1 million. Joe Adam Escobedo, who attempted to smuggle 49 people in a tractor trailer, received a 69-month sentence. Carlos Del Angel Bocanegra was sentenced to 24 months for fleeing a checkpoint with an illegal alien in his vehicle. Jesus Alberto Castro-Garza, with multiple felonies and illegal entries, was sentenced to 106 months for illegally crossing the border again, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
