Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A total of 225 cases related to border security were filed in the first week of April, as revealed by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Among these, 70 individuals are facing allegations for illegally reentering the U.S., most of whom have previous felony convictions, including narcotics and violent crimes. The bulk of the remaining cases involve individuals charged with illegal entry into the country.
Highlighting these cases is a tragic incident involving alien smuggling, which led to two deaths. The individuals facing charges are an illegal alien and a McAllen resident, identified as Vicente Garcia Jr. and Jose Alexis Baeza-Combaluzier. Garcia was allegedly set to transfer an illegal alien to Baeza-Combaluzier, who had four other illegal aliens in his vehicle. While attempting to evade authorities, Baeza-Combaluzier drove into a canal, resulting in the drowning of two individuals, including a 14-year-old child. "If convicted they face up the life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence."
The cases also encompass four MS-13 gang affiliates, including Edwin Geovanny Parada-Granados and Misael Antonio Mendez-Mendez. Additionally, Nicolas Alberto Hernandez-Lopez, another El Salvadoran, was found in the country after a previous deportation. He was previously sentenced for second-degree sexual assault.
Cesar Humberto Leal-Garcia is charged with the assault of two Border Patrol agents and illegal reentry, with four prior convictions for the latter offense.
Pedro Cardiel Rodriguez, a Mexican national, faces charges related to firearms trafficking. Allegedly, he attempted to smuggle a pistol and ammunition through the Brownsville Gateway International Bridge.
Other significant cases this week include Fidel Jose-Ramirez being sentenced to 33 months in prison for reentering the U.S. illegally. He has several past criminal convictions, including assault and possession of controlled substances. In Corpus Christi, Arturo Cruz-Badillo received a 24-month prison sentence, chiefly due to his numerous convictions for driving while intoxicated.
Furthermore, Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo admitted to involvement in a smuggling incident that led to a death. An illegal alien guided by Antonio-Arredondo collapsed and died after crossing the border wall.
Cristina Amezcua Valencia, residing illegally in San Benito, has been indicted for identity theft and falsification of a U.S. passport application to impersonate an American citizen.
The cases were referred by federal agencies, including ICE, Border Patrol, DEA, FBI, and other law enforcement bodies. These efforts fall under Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and associated criminal activities. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure public safety and a secure border.
These operations are conducted across the Southern District of Texas, which covers 43 counties and serves over nine million people. Indictments and criminal complaints are not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.
