Press Release
Young Smuggler Caught with Illegal Chinese Nationals
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – An 18-year-old Mexican citizen has been arrested on charges of human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The criminal complaint charging Israel Rubio-Rodriguez was filed today. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker this morning, at which time he was temporarily ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for June 18, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Hacker.
On June 11, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Rubio-Rodriguez was driving near Los Ebanos, according to the charges. When authorities approached, they allegedly observed multiple people in the front and back seat of the vehicle. The criminal complaint alleges that an immigration inspection was performed on all passengers of the vehicle and all were determined to be Chinese nationals illegally present in the United States.
If convicted, Rubio-Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarina S. DiPiazza is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Updated June 13, 2019
Topics
Immigration
Human Smuggling
Component