Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A significant number of cases related to immigration and border security have been filed in the Southern District of Texas from March 14-20, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The total stands at 246 cases, with 91 individuals facing allegations of illegally re-entering the United States, many with previous felony convictions including narcotics, violent or sexual crimes, and prior immigration offenses.
In addition, 145 individuals are charged with illegal entry into the country, while eight cases involve human smuggling. Other charges include making false statements and various immigration-related matters.
Among those charged is Rogelio Jaimes-Rodriguez, a Mexican citizen found near Roma after being previously removed on February 12. He faces charges related to his past conviction as an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. If convicted again for illegal reentry, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Another case involves Onesimo Salazar-Torres, also a Mexican citizen charged with illegal reentry near Edinburg. His criminal history includes indecency with child sexual contact.
Two other individuals with substantial criminal records were sentenced in McAllen this week after being unlawfully present following removal from the United States. Jose Eduardo Soto-Hernandez will serve 27 months for previous convictions including sexual assault of a child and possession of a controlled substance; Salvador Eduardo Gonzalez-Ledezma was sentenced to 46 months for assault family violence impeding breath and harboring aliens.
Carlos Bedolla Sanchez pleaded guilty in Houston to using a U.S. citizen's identity to fraudulently obtain a passport and identification since March 2009.
In Corpus Christi, Alberto Chavez Jr. was convicted by a federal jury for transporting illegal aliens under false pretenses.
A multi-year human smuggling conspiracy indictment has been filed against Giovana Lozano Hernandez in Laredo. She allegedly used multiple cellular devices containing images and voice messages detailing the smuggling operation.
These cases have involved cooperation among several federal law enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), alongside state and local law enforcement partners.
These efforts are part of Operation Take Back America which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle transnational criminal organizations through collaboration across federal resources.
The Southern District of Texas prioritizes public safety and secure borders under current leadership. Enhanced enforcement efforts target unlawful activities involving serious criminal histories like human trafficking and violence against children within its jurisdiction covering more than nine million people across 43 counties.
The district remains one of the busiest nationwide due to its vast coverage area of approximately 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys work closely with various law enforcement agencies across all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo on these prosecutions.
It is important to note that an indictment or criminal complaint represents an accusation rather than evidence; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process.
