Federal Prosecutors in Texas Press Charges Against Immigration Criminals
In a significant crackdown on immigration-related crime, federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 231 new cases between March 20 and March 26, as announced by U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. These charges target smugglers and illegal aliens with previous convictions related to violent crimes, drug trafficking, multiple driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses, and repeated deportations.
Details of Recent Arrests
Among those apprehended is Miguel Ángel Castro of Fabens, who faces human smuggling charges. According to reports, a U.S. Border Patrol agent responded to a sensor alert near San Elizario and discovered three illegal aliens. The complaint claims one of the individuals revealed two phone numbers associated with the smuggler during processing. Further investigation led agents to the predetermined pickup location, where Castro attempted to flee at high speed upon their arrival. He was subsequently arrested at his residence. Notably, Castro had previously served prison sentences for human smuggling in 2020 and 2024, totaling more than a year behind bars.
Repeat Offenders Facing Charges
Francisco Irineo Rodríguez Cordero, an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested for illegal entry after being found approximately 10 miles east of the Fort Hancock Port of Entry near Sierra Blanca. This marks Rodríguez-Cordero’s fifth deportation, with his last return occurring on November 24, 2025, through Nogales, Arizona. His criminal record includes three prior convictions related to driving offenses, as well as assault and drug charges.
Multiple Deportations Lead to New Charges
Jesus Manuel Jacques-Beltrán, another Mexican national, was arrested near the Paso del Norte port of entry while attempting to re-enter the U.S. He faced his third deportation on January 15 and already had three convictions for unlawful re-entry, plus charges for assaulting a federal officer and aiding and abetting. Now, he is confronted with yet another unlawful re-entry charge.
Charges Related to Controlled Substances
Arturo Ortiz was taken into custody at Bandera County Jail following an arrest for fleeing and possessing illegal substances. Following a March 20 sentencing to 10 years of probation, he was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for removal proceedings. Ortiz has a history of multiple convictions for DWI, driving with a suspended license, and other offenses.
Complex Drug Trafficking Operations Uncovered
In a separate incident, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers conducted a traffic stop on Ruben Hernandez, an illegal alien deported in 2010 for illegal re-entry. A search of his apartment revealed 11 bundles of cocaine, each weighing over 12 kilograms, and cash that Hernandez claimed was derived from drug trafficking. He now faces serious charges related to the possession and intent to distribute cocaine.
Coordinated Efforts in Law Enforcement
These cases demonstrate the coordinated actions of various federal and local enforcement agencies. Collaborating agencies include ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Together, they work to ensure national security and community safety.
Operation Take Back America Targets Transnational Criminals
This enforcement initiative is part of Operation Take Back America, a national campaign utilizing comprehensive resources from the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguard communities from violent crime. It marks a robust effort to restore law and order while stressing that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
