Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national has admitted guilt to charges connected to a human smuggling incident in Brownsville, Texas. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced that Alejandro Ramirez-Carranza, 39, from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, pleaded guilty to transporting and bringing an alien into the United States, illegal reentry, and being an alien in possession of a firearm.
Alongside him, Issac Azuara-Vasquez also pleaded guilty on April 10 to similar smuggling-related charges and selling a firearm to Ramirez-Carranza.
On February 12, authorities observed suspicious activity near the Rio Grande River—a location known for smuggling activities. They noticed a truck approaching the river after hearing commands in Spanish for people to run. Several individuals were seen entering the truck bed.
Azuara-Vasquez was driving and had brought an AR-15 type firearm. Ramirez-Carranza took possession of the weapon but ignored law enforcement commands to stop.
The investigation revealed that Ramirez-Carranza acted as a river guide and collaborated with Azuara-Vasquez in the smuggling operation. One individual confirmed being transported across the Rio Grande River by Ramirez-Carranza with relatives paying for his entry into the U.S.
Ramirez-Carranza has previous felony convictions for unauthorized vehicle use and illegal reentry after deportation. He was last deported from the United States in September 2009.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei commented on the case: “The only thing worse than engaging in human smuggling is bringing along a weapon to facilitate your operation.”
Sentencing is scheduled for July 2 for Azuara-Vasquez and July 30 for Ramirez-Carranza before U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera. Both men could face up to 10 years imprisonment for transportation charges and up to 15 years for firearms offenses. Additionally, Ramirez-Carranza faces another decade for illegal reentry.
Both individuals remain in custody pending sentencing.
The investigation involved Customs and Border Protection, FBI, and Cameron County Sheriff’s Office with Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro prosecuting.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts by the Department of Justice's various task forces.
