Evergreen Reporter

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas has filed 261 new immigration-related criminal cases between March 21 and March 27. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman made this announcement, highlighting a range of cases involving individuals from various countries facing charges, including conspiracy, illegal re-entry, and other criminal activities.

Noe Mardoquero Calel-Cabinal, a Guatemalan national, was stopped by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper on March 24 near Dilley, Texas. He lacked proper immigration documentation and allegedly confessed to attempting to transport illegal aliens for $1,300 each. His cell phone records reportedly confirmed this confession.

In El Paso, Mexican national Luis Francisco Alarcon-Sanchez attempted to enter the U.S. by claiming to be a citizen. Alert systems and further procedures revealed four prior removals, and he admitted association with the Paisas Gang. Similarly, Mexican national Jesus Barraza-Frias, who was previously deported, was found again in the U.S. without valid documents and has a criminal history including domestic violence and disorderly conduct.

In Del Rio, Honduran national Carlos Alejandro Varela-Avila was charged with re-entry after deportation. His record includes five prior removals and a conviction for aggravated assault. Alba Jeannet Medina-Chavez, another Honduran national with similar re-entry charges, has a criminal record that includes serious offenses.

Amir Hassan Riley was arrested near Eagle Pass after U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered illegal aliens hidden in a vehicle he was driving. Further investigation linked him to other individuals in a motel, and he faces charges of conspiring to transport illegal aliens.

In Pecos, Ibrahim Villanueva was charged with illegal re-entry, while in Austin, Cesario Bueno-Figueroa faces charges of driving while intoxicated and illegal re-entry.

These cases were supported by various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative. The operation aims to combat illegal immigration and is supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.