A Mexican national residing illegally in Lufkin was sentenced on July 23 to federal prison for an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Miguel Garza-Soluga, 45, pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported and received a sentence of 57 months in federal prison from U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone. Information presented in court showed that Garza-Soluga was found illegally present in the United States in August 2025 after previous deportations in 2020 and 2022. He has prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, and illegal reentry.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources “to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” The investigation involved the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas covers 43 counties across East Texas with offices located in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler; employs about 100 staff members including approximately 50 assistant U.S. attorneys; supports victims through dedicated services; prosecutes federal crimes; delivers civil litigation services; and operates as part of the United States Department of Justice, according to its official website.