Over 700 immigration related cases filed in one week as authorities target smugglers and repeat offenders across Texas

Texas – Federal prosecutors across Texas have filed hundreds of new criminal charges tied to immigration-related offenses, highlighting a sweeping enforcement push that is unfolding across the state. Over a two-week span, authorities in both the Western and Southern Districts of Texas brought a combined total of more than 700 cases, many involving individuals with prior convictions ranging from violent crimes to repeated illegal reentry into the United States.

The charges stem from ongoing efforts under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at targeting human smuggling networks, repeat offenders, and individuals with serious criminal histories. Prosecutors say many of those charged had prior records that included assault, burglary, drug offenses, and multiple removals from the country.

Among the most notable cases, U.S. citizen Devin Michael Brady was arrested and charged with human smuggling after authorities observed suspicious activity near the U.S.-Mexico border. According to investigators, a Border Patrol camera operator saw several individuals running north before entering a pickup truck. When agents stopped the vehicle, they found no passengers but discovered multiple cell phones. One phone allegedly showed messages tied to a smuggling scheme, including a proof-of-life video. Authorities claim Brady was to be paid $750 per person and had already dropped off several individuals before the stop.

Other cases involved individuals accused of illegally reentering the country after prior deportations. Ervin Lopez-Marroquin, who had previously been removed following convictions for assault and cruelty toward a child, was found near the Rio Grande and charged again. Michel Romero Martinez-Jimenez, who had been deported twice before, was located in El Paso and also faces new charges.

Large Scale Enforcement Effort Expands Across Texas

The scale of enforcement expanded even further in South Texas, where prosecutors filed 508 additional cases in just one week. These included 31 human smuggling cases, 200 illegal entry complaints, and 274 felony reentry charges. Officials noted that many of those charged had serious criminal backgrounds, including drug offenses, violent crimes, and weapons violations.

Several individuals highlighted in the cases had lengthy criminal histories. Roberto Efrain Portillo-Funes and Jani Manuel Pereda-Figueredo were both found in the McAllen area after prior removals in late 2025. Prosecutors allege their past convictions included offenses such as assault, firearm discharge, and drug possession.

Another individual, Jose Garza Lopez, was discovered near Bonito despite a prior removal in 2023. Authorities say his record includes convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and drug trafficking-related offenses. Two additional men, Fernando Perales-Hernandez and Luis Miguel Zagaon-Melchor, were also charged after being found in the country following earlier deportations. Both had prior felony convictions tied to drug distribution and human smuggling activities.

If convicted, several of these individuals could face sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison.

Arrests and Sentencing Highlight Ongoing Crackdown

The enforcement effort has not only resulted in new charges but also recent sentencing outcomes. In one case, San Juan resident Mario Trevino was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after authorities discovered he was transporting illegal aliens in a concealed compartment of a tractor-trailer. Investigators said six individuals were found hidden inside the sleeper area, with some placed under blankets and others inside cabinets.

According to court records, the individuals reported being transported through multiple locations before being instructed to hide and remain still inside the truck. The case underscored the risks and coordination involved in smuggling operations that law enforcement agencies are attempting to dismantle.

Authorities emphasized that these cases are supported by a wide network of federal, state, and local agencies, including ICE, Border Patrol, the DEA, FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Officials say the collaboration is key to addressing both border-related crime and interior enforcement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in both districts noted that public safety and border security remain top priorities. With hundreds of cases filed in a short period, officials argue the effort reflects a focused strategy to target repeat offenders and disrupt organized smuggling networks operating across Texas.

While the numbers reflect an aggressive enforcement campaign, they also point to the scale of the issue facing authorities. With continued operations and ongoing prosecutions, federal officials signal that this level of enforcement activity is likely to continue in the months ahead.