To show the country just how serious it is about border security, the federal government in Texas has made a number of arrests and obtained convictions. They reiterate the government’s decision to take strong action on unlawful entry and similar crimes.
Assault of a Border Patrol Agent in Katy, Texas
An ordinary inspection at a checkpoint on U.S. Highway 57, near Katy, became a violent situation. The 26-year-old Kevin Dominguez was driving his sedan when he stopped at the checkpoint. Using their training, the Border Patrol dog detected something in the trunk. During inspection, agents noticed that someone was inside the container.
Instead of stopping, Dominguez backed up his car and hit a Border Patrol officer, then left the place leading to a chase. The cameras in the sky saw two individuals get out of the vehicle onto an abandoned field. The border agents found that he was an undocumented person from Honduras.
An indictment was made against Dominguez on September 13, 2023 and the next day, he was arrested. Plea negotiations were successful and on January 24, 2024, he received an 18-month prison sentence from a federal court. It demonstrates the dangers for police and the quick action taken by the courts when these problems occur.
Together, the Agencies Made a Major Smuggling Bust in El Paso
El Paso authorities shut down a smuggling operation that used local motels. An official statement says that agents with the Disrupt Unit monitored a motel where unauthorized immigrants are said to live. Hotel security noticed that a vehicle with a temporary license plate was going to many different hotels.
The driver parked at the motel and was inside for a short time before driving away in the other vehicle wearing temporary plates. Shortly following, people woke up, moved out of their room and got in another vehicle. A Mexican national who resides in the U.S. without permissions, Yair Alejandro Aguilar-Flores, was apprehended as the driver. Authorities added Angel Eduardo Carrillo-Carrillo and Jorge Alfredo Lopez-Acevedo to the list of detainees.
Investigators found and arrested seven more undocumented individuals associated with the motel. After that, Jesus David Reyes-Villagran went back to the motel, saying he was reserving a room for migrants. He said he had transported five undocumented individuals to another building.
Every person thought to be involved can be charged with serious crimes and be sentenced to prison for up to 10 years, before the court decides their case.
A Repeat Offender was Arrested for Crossing the Border Illegaly
Melvin Armando Funes, a Honduran citizen, was arrested by federal authorities for coming back into the United States without permission. After his first deportation, it was found that Funes did not have permission to stay in the U.S. The arrest underlines the continued drive to find and prosecute people who break the law many times, including those subject to immigration laws.