Laredo resident guilty of transporting illegal aliens in SUV’s cargo area

LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo man has admitted to conspiring to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

On April 13, authorities observed Anthony Jacob Garza suspiciously driving a Ford Expedition about 20 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. He continued along Texas Highway 44 towards Encinal where he eventually stopped at a gas station.

Upon law enforcement questioning, Garza claimed he was travelling alone. As authorities approached the rear of the vehicle, he admitted he had “picked up some guys” near a county road and didn’t know who they were. Law enforcement conducted a consensual search of the SUV and found three illegal aliens hiding under a blanket in the cargo area.

One told authorities he had agreed to pay $8,500 to smugglers in Mexico for transport into the United States and onto San Antonio. After crossing the Rio Grande River, the group traveled through the brush to the intersection of a county road and U.S. Highway 83, where Garza picked them up.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Garza faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Garza has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez 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.