A Weslaco resident, Hugo Jimenez Jr., was sentenced on Mar. 11 to 36 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address human smuggling operations in South Texas and beyond. Jimenez pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2025, and will also serve two years of supervised release following his prison term.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales delivered the sentence after hearing evidence that Jimenez attempted to mislead law enforcement about a failed smuggling attempt that led to the seizure of his vehicle. The court cited Jimenez’s leadership role and the significant number of individuals he transported as factors in determining the sentence.
From October 2024 through May 2025, Jimenez organized multiple smuggling events throughout South Texas, recruiting local drivers and coordinating routes through Border Patrol checkpoints by hiding people in cargo areas of vehicles. He sometimes personally transported individuals as far as San Antonio or Houston and scouted checkpoints ahead of time.
Jimenez was previously released on bond but has now been taken into custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol’s Intelligence Unit and Kingsville Abatement Team with assistance from the Rio Grande Valley Sector Targeting and Intelligence Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lamont prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative aimed at countering illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations involved in such activities.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas has included notable figures such as Alamdar Hamdani and Ryan Patrick among its former leaders, according to the official history page. The office operates out of several cities including Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, and Brownsville as described on the official website. It is part of the U.S. Department of Justice under the Attorney General's authority according to its official website.
The Southern District employs more than 200 attorneys covering 43 counties with a population exceeding nine million people as detailed on its official website. Its focus includes prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil cases for the government according to its official website. Alamdar Hamdani served as one of its leaders from 2022 to 2025 as noted on its official history page.
