A San Juan resident, Mario Trevino, was sentenced on April 2 to 33 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to transporting six illegal aliens, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address human smuggling and related crimes. Trevino will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
During the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge David S. Morales, the court reviewed evidence that the individuals were transported in a confined space within a tractor trailer and that at least one person expressed concern for their safety. The court also heard about Trevino’s prior attempts to evade law enforcement and noted his criminal history, which includes convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, evading arrest, and a previous conviction for smuggling illegal aliens.
According to information provided during the proceedings, Trevino drove a tractor trailer through the Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita on Oct. 28, 2025. He claimed he was heading to pick up a load with an empty trailer; however, law enforcement found six illegal aliens concealed in the sleeper area—some hidden under a blanket and others inside a cabinet. The individuals said they had entered the United States illegally and were transported through several locations in the Rio Grande Valley before being told by Trevino to remain hidden inside the vehicle.
Trevino remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined. Border Patrol conducted the investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and targeting cartels as well as transnational criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
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 its official history page. Its offices are located across Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville as described on its official website. Serving under the Attorney General as part of the Department of Justice according to its official website, this office employs more than 200 attorneys covering 43 counties with over nine million residents as detailed on its official website. It focuses on prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil cases involving government interests according to its official website. Among recent leaders is Alamdar Hamdani who served from 2022 until 2025 as noted on its official history page.
