Evergreen Reporter

A Mexican national, formerly residing in Vallejo, California without legal documentation, has been sentenced to 66 months in federal prison. Guillermo Hernandez-Gonzalez was convicted in Del Rio for conspiracy to transport undocumented individuals, endangering lives in the process.

Court records highlight that on July 10, 2024, a U.S. Border Patrol agent attempted to stop a pickup truck suspected of collecting undocumented noncitizens near U.S. Route 277 in Eagle Pass. Hernandez-Gonzalez, 23, was the driver and did not comply, initiating a 25-mile chase at speeds reaching up to 80 mph. During the pursuit, he reversed his vehicle, colliding with an agent's patrol car.

The chase concluded when Hernandez-Gonzalez crashed into a cattle fence and a telephone pole. He tried to escape the scene but was promptly captured by agents. Seven undocumented individuals were discovered in the vehicle; two required hospitalization for minor injuries.

Hernandez-Gonzalez confessed to learning about the smuggling opportunity via an Instagram ad. The advertisement promised him a payment of between $7,700 and $15,000. He traveled by air from Oakland to San Antonio, following directions from an unindicted co-conspirator.

The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman from the Western District of Texas.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol with assistance from the Maverick County Sheriff's Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayvee Rhoda led the prosecution.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative of the Department of Justice. This operation aims to address illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal groups, and protect communities from violent crime. The operation consolidates efforts from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.