Jury convicts Houston trucker of transporting illegal aliens

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 66-year-old Houston resident who has been a lawful permanent resident in the United States since 1989 has been convicted of smuggling aliens further into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before returning the guilty verdict against Armando Balladares-Prado following a two-day trial.

On May 5, 2024, Balladares-Prado pulled up to the Border Patrol checkpoint south of Falfurrias for primary immigration inspection. The jury heard that he seemed nervous but provided consent for an x-ray examination of his tractor-trailer. The vehicle was completely empty but had a seal and lock on it as if there was a full transport load in the back.

Authorities soon found two individuals hidden underneath the bed of the sleeper compartment. Both were determined to be citizens of Guatemala illegally present in the United States.

Testimony revealed Balladares-Prado told the aliens to get under the bed and instructed them on what to say if law enforcement discovered them.

The defense attempted to convince the jury the aliens had gotten into the tractor and pulled the bed down on top of themselves. Contradictory evidence showed that to be virtually impossible. The jury was not convinced of defense claims and found Balladares-Prado guilty as charged.   

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over trial and set sentencing for Sept. 3. At that time, Balladares-Prado faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Previously released on bond, he was taken into custody following the conviction where he will remain pending sentencing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.