Web Desk
Federal authorities in the Southern District of Texas have reported a surge in border security-related offenses.
Over the past week, prosecutors filed 246 cases, highlighting the region’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal immigration and related crimes.
According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, the charges include 91 cases of illegal re-entry.
Many of the accused have prior convictions for drug trafficking, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and immigration violations.
Another 145 individuals were charged with illegal entry, including eight for human smuggling and others for providing false information.
One of the highlighted cases involves Rogelio Jaimes-Rodriguez, who was discovered near Roma after a previous deportation. He had been convicted of illegally possessing a firearm.
Another suspect, Onesimo Salazar-Torres, a Mexican national with a prior conviction for indecency with a child, was caught near Edinburg and charged with illegal re-entry.
Beyond immigration offenses, authorities also handled identity fraud cases.
Carlos Bedolla Sanchez pleaded guilty in Houston for using false documents to apply for a U.S. passport.
In Corpus Christi, Alberto Chavez Jr. was quickly convicted for transporting illegal migrants.
He initially claimed they were his relatives, but investigators confirmed they were Honduran nationals without legal status.
In Laredo, Giovana Lozano Hernandez was indicted for her role in a human smuggling operation spanning multiple years.
Investigators presented digital evidence, including images and voice recordings, linking her to the scheme.
These cases fall under “Operation Take Back America,” an initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartel activities, and violent crime.
The Southern District of Texas, which covers 43 counties and over nine million residents, remains one of the busiest in the country.
Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to identify and apprehend individuals involved in federal crimes.
