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Federal authorities have filed 245 new criminal cases related to unlawful border crossings and associated activities in the past week, signaling an intensified legal crackdown along the US border.
The US Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei emphasizes the government’s commitment to border security and targeting criminal enterprises such as human smuggling and illegal immigration. The Southern District of Texas, a key region in these efforts, has seen a surge in activity. The district, which spans over 44,000 square miles and serves approximately 9 million residents, is one of the busiest federal judicial districts in the nation. Collaborative operations involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are central to addressing the array of border-related offenses.
Of the newly filed cases, 115 individuals face charges for illegal re-entry into the United States, a felony that carries particularly severe penalties for repeat offenders. Santos Demetrio Marquez-Hernandez, a previously deported sex offender from El Salvador, is among those charged and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. An additional 118 individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Vietnam have been charged with attempting to enter the US unlawfully.
Ten cases focus on human smuggling operations, highlighting organized efforts to transport individuals across the border. Juan Daniel Pena and Jose Cristian Cantu Jr. were apprehended while allegedly attempting to smuggle 15 individuals through a checkpoint in Sarita. Noel Mercado faces charges for allegedly concealing individuals in modified compartments within a truck, revealing the evolving and often dangerous tactics employed by smugglers.
Other cases underscore the complexities of border security. Gerardo Rodriguez-Toscano is accused of injuring a law enforcement officer while attempting to evade arrest at the Hidalgo port of entry. Elger Cotto-Navarro is charged with falsely claiming to be a minor in an attempt to enter the country. These enforcement actions are part of "Operation Take Back America," a federal initiative aimed at curbing illegal immigration, cartel activities, and violent crime. The initiative seeks to bolster border security protocols and protect communities.
Officials acknowledge that increased enforcement has led to more desperate and inventive tactics among human smugglers. It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The cases involve multiple agencies, including the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges at the border.