Nearly 600 immigration and border related criminal cases filed across Texas in one week
Texas – Federal prosecutors across Texas announced a sweeping series of immigration and border-related criminal cases over a single week, filing nearly 600 new prosecutions that included allegations involving repeat deportations, violent criminal histories, drug trafficking, sex offenses, human smuggling, and document fraud.
The cases, filed between May 29 and June 4, were announced separately by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Combined, the districts reported 582 new immigration and border security-related criminal cases as part of ongoing federal enforcement efforts.
The Western District of Texas filed 297 new cases, while the Southern District of Texas announced 285 additional prosecutions.
Hundreds Of Cases Filed Across Texas
According to federal officials, the Western District’s cases involved alleged human smugglers and individuals previously removed from the United States who had criminal records involving violent offenses, weapons violations, theft crimes, sex offenses, and multiple prior deportations.
One of the cases involved Hilario Benitez-Mondragon, who was charged with illegal re-entry after authorities located him in the Travis County Jail. Court records indicate he was convicted in May 2026 of second-degree felony sexual assault and received 10 years of deferred adjudication. Prosecutors said he had previously been removed from the United States in 2014.
In the Del Rio sector, which accounted for 172 of the district’s new cases, authorities charged several individuals with illegal re-entry after prior removals.
Among them was Honduran national Neptaly Reyes-Reyes, who was apprehended near Eagle Pass. Federal authorities said he had previously been deported three times and had convictions that included theft offenses, cocaine possession, and prior illegal re-entry violations.
Another Honduran national, Miyagui Maclen Aleman Herrera, was arrested near Eagle Pass after allegedly returning following a third deportation. Prosecutors said he had previously been convicted in Harris County of indecency with a child by exposure and served a prison sentence.
Authorities also arrested Nicaraguan national Jimmy Jose Mena-Aleman, whose criminal history reportedly includes convictions for carrying a concealed weapon, robbery, burglary, grand theft, and aggravated battery.
Smuggling And Border Cases Continue
The Southern District of Texas reported 285 new cases during the same period.
Officials said 79 defendants face illegal entry charges while 179 others were accused of re-entering the country after prior removals. Another 27 individuals were charged with human smuggling offenses.
Among those charged were Guatemalan national William Perez-Perez and Mexican national Edgar Guadalupe Cruz-Velasco, both accused of illegally re-entering the United States after recent removals. Prosecutors noted Perez-Perez had a prior conviction for battery on law enforcement, while Cruz-Velasco was previously convicted of first-degree assault and battery.
Authorities also charged Honduran national Osman Adalid Soto Benites after allegedly finding him near Progreso following a prior removal in October 2025. Court records indicate he has a previous conviction for failing to register as a sex offender.
Mexican national Rafael Pineda-Ruiz was charged separately after authorities allegedly discovered him near Roma without legal authorization to remain in the country. Prosecutors stated he had previously been convicted of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and served a 70-month prison sentence.
If convicted, those defendants could face prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Human Smuggling Cases Draw Attention
Federal prosecutors also highlighted several major human smuggling prosecutions.
In Laredo, Mexican national Cruz Alberto De La Garza pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens in a stash house where dangerous conditions allegedly contributed to a death.
The investigation began after two migrants were transported to an emergency room, with one later pronounced dead. Authorities subsequently discovered 30 additional migrants inside the sleeper compartment of a tractor-trailer. Investigators determined they had been housed in extreme heat with limited food, water, ventilation, and air conditioning.
De La Garza now faces the possibility of life in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Meanwhile, a federal jury in Corpus Christi convicted a mother and daughter, Enedelia Garcia and Ashley Garcia, on human smuggling charges.
Evidence presented during trial showed they transported an undocumented migrant through the Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville. The migrant later testified he expected the pair to take him to Houston after being smuggled into the country.
Jurors also reviewed evidence showing Ashley Garcia sent a text message to a friend during the trip stating “not to ask” about her trip to Houston.
Both women face sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison.
Operation Take Back America
Federal officials said the prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on immigration enforcement, combating transnational criminal organizations, and prosecuting violent offenders.
The investigations were supported by numerous federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with state and local law enforcement partners.
Officials in both districts emphasized that border security and public safety remain top priorities as prosecutors continue targeting individuals with serious criminal histories who are accused of entering or returning to the United States unlawfully.
