Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Houston man has been sentenced to a 48-month prison term, followed by three years of supervised release, for leading a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Hosmel Vences, 29, pleaded guilty to the charges on May 22, 2024.
During a hearing, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos dismissed Vences's objections to his designation as a leader/organizer and enhancements for recklessness and firearm possession. Judge Ramos concluded that Vences was indeed aware of the firearms carried by the drivers he recruited and was reckless in the transportation of illegal aliens. Consequently, Vences was held accountable for the actions of those under his command.
"The human smuggling business is all about money and nothing else," stated Ganjei. "These smugglers don’t care about the lives of those that they transport, nor do they care about the impact their business has on American communities. Fortunately, through the hard work of our law enforcement partners and this office, this human smuggling conspiracy has been dismantled, and its ringleader will be off to federal prison."
The court acknowledged Vences's role in organizing the smuggling of at least 75 illegal aliens from August 16 to December 17, 2023. The investigation showed that he recruited multiple drivers from South Texas to transport aliens from Brownsville and Raymondville further into the U.S.
Vences was personally involved in the operation, managing communications with drivers and individuals loading the aliens into vehicles. He monitored trip progress, met drivers, and paid them for successful transportation past checkpoints. Additionally, Vences publicized his involvement and profits on social media.
Awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, Vences remains in custody. The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuting.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at curbing illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
