A Lockhart woman, Temple Ordaz-Alvarado, 50, was sentenced to five years in prison in federal court in Del Rio for her role in smuggling individuals from Eagle Pass to San Antonio. Court documents identified her as the leader and operator of a stash house for an Alien Smuggling Organization.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office release, the investigation began after a traffic stop revealed Ordaz-Alvarado transporting illegal aliens. She was found to have facilitated the movement of 53 individuals between September 8, 2021, and May 21, 2024. Her co-conspirator, Erin Gutierrez-Maradiaga, was previously sentenced to 76 months in prison.
During the traffic stop, U.S. Border Patrol agents seized $3,004 linked to the smuggling operation. Investigators determined that Gutierrez-Maradiaga had been recruited by Ordaz-Alvarado to transport illegal aliens for payment. The operation included providing food to those being smuggled along U.S. Highway 277 to San Antonio.
The case was investigated by ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Ordaz-Alvarado pleaded guilty on August 12, 2024, and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Fleming and Joseph Duarte II prosecuted the case.
