A Mexican national living illegally in Edinburg has pleaded guilty to transporting undocumented immigrants, resulting in a death, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Victor Manuel Martinez-Gallegos, 24, admitted that on May 27, 2024, he picked up several undocumented individuals in Brownsville and took them to a stash house where they were concealed from authorities. During the investigation, officials found that one of the migrants, who was from Guatemala, appeared visibly distressed but was still alive at the time. The individual later died at the stash house.
As part of his plea agreement, Martinez-Gallegos acknowledged leaving the deceased’s body near Maverick Road in Brownsville. Authorities later located human remains at that site and confirmed they belonged to the missing migrant.
“Human smuggling is a depraved, dangerous business, and one where the smugglers often show no mercy or compassion to those they transport,” said Ganjei. “I implore anyone considering hiring a smuggler - either for themselves or their loved ones - to think twice. Stay home and stay safe.”
Martinez-Gallegos will remain in custody until his sentencing before U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera on December 17. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was led by Border Patrol with support from the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office and University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano is prosecuting the case.
