Federal authorities in the Southern District of Texas have filed 318 cases related to immigration and border security from November 14 to November 20, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Of those charged, 182 individuals face allegations of illegally reentering the United States. Many of these defendants reportedly have prior felony convictions for crimes such as narcotics offenses, violent acts, sexual offenses, previous immigration violations, or other criminal conduct. Another 120 people are accused of illegal entry into the country, while 18 others are alleged to have participated in human smuggling activities.
One case involves Mexican national Jairo Amaya Martinez, who is charged with assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The complaint states that Martinez fled on foot during a traffic stop and allegedly bit an agent on his left hand and forearm while another officer attempted to restrain him. If convicted, Martinez could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Other recent complaints include charges against Mexican nationals Evencio Arellano-Felix and Ivan Garcia-Mendoza for illegal reentry after being previously removed from the United States in October. Both were reportedly encountered by law enforcement in Roma, Texas. According to court documents, Garcia-Mendoza has a prior conviction for illegal reentry; Arellano-Felix was previously convicted for failure to identify with fugitive intent.
Juan Humberto Martinez-Martinez is also charged with illegal reentry after removal. Authorities allege he was deported in August 2022 but was encountered again near Rio Grande City this week. If found guilty, these three defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The cases stem from referrals or support by several federal agencies including ICE - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with state and local law enforcement partners.
These prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources aimed at combating illegal immigration and targeting cartels as well as transnational criminal organizations.
"Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. "Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children."
The Southern District of Texas covers 43 counties across more than nine million residents within approximately 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work closely with law enforcement at all levels on such cases.
Authorities remind that indictments or criminal complaints represent formal accusations only; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.
