A Brownsville resident, Christian Ivan Hernandez, 30, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport more than 100 undocumented immigrants. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Hernandez pleaded guilty on May 19 to the charges. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered that Hernandez’s prison term be followed by two years of supervised release. During the sentencing hearing, the court heard evidence that Hernandez and others transported over 100 undocumented immigrants under hazardous conditions. The judge reviewed Hernandez’s criminal record, which includes two prior convictions related to smuggling: one in 2018 for transporting illegal aliens and another in 2019 for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Ramos stated: “his past smuggling offenses carry consequences but believes he can move past them.”
The court found that from May 1 through July 21, 2024, Hernandez coordinated the movement of about 107 undocumented immigrants hidden in three tractor trailers' cargo areas and another ten individuals found in cab areas of vehicles.
During his plea agreement, Hernandez admitted calling Carlos Josue Cruz-Rivas in early May 2024 and asking him to pick up several undocumented immigrants at a warehouse in McAllen. Authorities later arrested Cruz-Rivas after finding 36 people inside an empty utility trailer and six more in the sleeper section of a truck cab.
Also in May, David Vargas-Muniz was arrested after attempting to smuggle 46 undocumented immigrants through Brooks County using a tractor trailer provided by Hernandez. Hernandez instructed Vargas-Muniz not to make any stops as he delivered those individuals.
On July 21, law enforcement apprehended Mendez-Hernandez following an attempt to transport 25 people in a utility trailer and four more inside a tractor cab.
Authorities identified Hernandez as the organizer behind these operations. He managed three stash houses located in McAllen used during the smuggling activities.
Hernandez remains detained while awaiting transfer to a facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Others involved have also been convicted and sentenced for their roles: Honduran national Cruz-Rivas, age 35; Vargas-Muniz, age 53; and Mendez-Hernandez, age 31—all residing illegally or without authorization at various locations including Brawley and Santa Maria, California; and Waxahachie.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation with support from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Young Min Burkett prosecuted the case.
