A Roma, Texas resident has been sentenced to federal prison for transporting illegal aliens, Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced on Apr. 20. Lizandro Monroy, age 27, received a sentence of 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty in December.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to address human smuggling activities in the region and the use of minors in such operations. The sentencing is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to counter illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations involved in these crimes.
According to court records, Monroy was previously convicted twice for human smuggling but returned to similar conduct about one month after his last release from custody. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane noted that all incidents involved vehicle or foot pursuits.
Authorities discovered the incident on June 21, 2025, when they observed a raft crossing from Mexico near the Roma Observation Deck—a location known for human smuggling pickups. Law enforcement saw Monroy's vehicle make several passes before parking nearby; he then instructed a minor passenger to move into the driver’s seat and collect three Chinese nationals who ran from nearby brush into the car. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the minor fled with the vehicle leading to multiple collisions before crashing into a utility pole and law enforcement vehicle. One person suffered a head injury requiring medical attention.
Monroy admitted he recruited and paid the 15-year-old minor for transportation duties and provided both travel instructions and communication tools used during the operation.
He remains in custody awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations along with Border Patrol agents; Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted this case.
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. The office operates out of locations including Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville as described on its official website. It is part of the U.S. Department of Justice under supervision by the Attorney General according to its official website.
More than 200 attorneys are employed by this office which covers 43 counties serving over nine million residents as detailed on its official website. Its primary focus is prosecuting federal crimes as well as handling civil cases on behalf of government interests according to its official website. Leadership at this office has included Alamdar Hamdani serving from 2022 through 2025 as noted on its official history page.
