A 62-year-old resident of Alamo, Texas, Lazaro Rosendo Vega, has pleaded guilty to charges of illegally transporting two Mexican nationals in a tractor-trailer. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The incident occurred on May 30 when Vega arrived at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint driving a maroon tractor-trailer. Authorities observed that Vega was sitting unusually high in his seat and displaying abnormal behavior, described as loud and excited. When questioned about his cargo, he stated he was hauling “avocados loaded about two hours ago.”
An x-ray scan of the vehicle led to the discovery of two individuals concealed under blankets on the top bunk of the sleeper cab. Both were later identified as citizens of Mexico. During questioning, Vega claimed he was unaware of their presence in the truck.
As part of his plea agreement, Vega admitted that one of the individuals had entered the United States approximately a month prior, was taken to a warehouse, and then placed inside Vega’s tractor-trailer. The individual had paid $9,000 to be smuggled into Fort Worth and remained hidden with another man for extended periods before continuing northbound in the truck.
Authorities also determined that Vega had obstructed the dash camera view before picking up the individuals.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos accepted Vega’s plea and scheduled sentencing for December 10. Vega faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000. He has been allowed to remain free on bond until sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol agents. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Izaak Bruce and Patrick Overman are prosecuting the case.
According to officials, this prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and targeting criminal organizations involved in smuggling activities by leveraging resources from multiple Department of Justice programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
