A former soldier of the U.S. Army who was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas has been sentenced to over two years in prison for his role in an alien smuggling operation. Enrique Jauregui, age 26, was officially handed a 33-month prison sentence following a guilty plea for aiding and abetting the transportation of undocumented immigrants in a scheme driven by financial incentives, as detailed in a case handled by the federal court in Pecos.
During the 2024 incident, Jauregui recruited two fellow soldiers, Angel Palma, 21, and Emilio Mendoza Lopez, 22, instructing them on where to pick up the individuals they would later attempt to smuggle. Organizing the smuggling event, he provided his accomplices with crucial location information, along with encouragement and guidance through their illicit journey, and planned to compensate them post-operation. Running from law enforcement during a high-speed chase, the defendants collided with a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle, which caused injury to an agent, according to court documents released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
Both Palma and Mendoza Lopez have also faced justice, each receiving a 24-month federal prison sentence earlier this year. Following their prison terms, they will be subjected to three years of supervised release. Additionally, Jauregui's punishment includes a $10,000 fine on top of his imprisonment. These sentences come amid a federal push to combat illegal immigration and cartel activity under Operation Take Back America, a drive to utilize the full capacity of the Department of Justice in eliminating cartel influence and securing the nation against the criminal elements involved in smuggling and other crimes.
"These three individuals turned their backs on their values in a way that put our nation at risk, and put at risk the lives of others, including the lives of law enforcement officers," said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens for Homeland Security Investigations El Paso highlighted the betrayal of duty and trust by the soldiers, expressing dedication by his agency and partners to dismantle smuggling networks. "Maintaining the readiness and integrity of our fighting force remains our top priority," Special Agent in Charge Lane Allen of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division's Central Texas Field Office told the U.S. Attorney’s Office, illustrating the importance of joint efforts in law enforcement and military investigative divisions.
Investigations into the incident were conducted collaboratively by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Central Texas Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Cayton. Through such concerted actions, the authorities continue to send a message that those who put personal gain above the law and security will face the gravitating consequences of federal prosecution.
