Federal Crackdown on Border Crimes: Texas Man Sentenced After Assaulting Border Agent as Smuggling Rings Broken Up
Federal authorities have stepped up their efforts to combat human smuggling and immigration-related crimes, with recent arrests and convictions in Texas sending a clear message: the United States is committed to securing its borders and prosecuting those who break the law.
Texas Man Sentenced for Assaulting Border Patrol Agent
One of the most serious recent incidents happened near Katy, Texas, during a routine checkpoint on U.S. Highway 57. Kevin Dominguez, 26, drove into the checkpoint, where a trained Border Patrol canine alerted officers to suspicious activity.
Agents discovered a person hidden in the vehicle’s trunk.
Instead of cooperating, Dominguez attempted to escape. He reversed his car, striking a Border Patrol agent, and then fled, leading to a high-speed chase.
Aerial surveillance tracked the vehicle as two people fled into a nearby field. One of them was identified as a Honduran national without legal status in the U.S.
Dominguez was indicted on September 13, 2023, arrested shortly after, and later pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024. He was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for the assault.
This case highlights the real dangers Border Patrol agents face and the serious legal consequences for those who attack law enforcement officers.
Human Smuggling Operation Dismantled in El Paso
Meanwhile, in El Paso, Border Patrol agents dismantled a human smuggling network operating out of local motels.
Members of the Ysleta Border Patrol Station’s Disrupt Unit began tracking a suspicious vehicle with temporary plates moving between different motels known for housing undocumented migrants.
Their investigation led to the arrest of Yair Alejandro Aguilar-Flores, a Mexican national residing illegally in the U.S., along with Angel Eduardo Carrillo-Carrillo and Jorge Alfredo Lopez-Acevedo.
Further searches uncovered seven more undocumented individuals hiding in motel rooms.
Later, Jesus David Reyes-Villagran returned to one of the motel rooms, claiming ownership and admitting to transporting migrants between locations.
Those involved now face serious federal charges, including transportation of undocumented individuals, a crime that carries potential prison sentences of up to 10 years if convicted.
Repeat Immigration Offender Arrested for Illegal Re-Entry
In a separate action, Melvin Armando Funes, a Honduran citizen with a prior deportation, was arrested for illegally re-entering the United States.
His case is part of ongoing federal efforts to locate and prosecute repeat offenders who violate immigration laws.
Strong Federal Message on Border Security
These recent enforcement actions reflect a clear and consistent message from federal authorities: human smuggling, violence against law enforcement, and repeat immigration violations will face swift and serious consequences.
As cases like these continue to move through the courts, the Department of Justice and Border Patrol emphasize their commitment to protecting U.S. borders and upholding the law.
