Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national residing illegally in Laredo, Texas, has been indicted on charges of conspiracy to smuggle and harbor illegal aliens. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the indictment against 26-year-old Giovana Lozano Hernandez, who was initially charged by criminal complaint.
Hernandez is accused of participating in an ongoing alien smuggling conspiracy. She was taken into custody on February 19 and is expected to appear for arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge soon.
The charges allege that Hernandez used multiple cellular devices to facilitate the smuggling operations. On October 28, 2024, authorities discovered digital images of paper ledgers and illegal aliens related to a failed smuggling event on these devices. The charges also mention numerous voice messages exchanged between Hernandez and her coconspirators discussing human smuggling activities, including the transportation and housing of illegal aliens requiring financial accountability. Additionally, video messages depicting the transportation of illegal aliens were found.
If convicted, Hernandez could face up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count in the indictment.
The investigation involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, Laredo Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation of criminal conduct; a defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.
