U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced on Mar. 9 that he will resign as chief law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Texas, effective upon his appointment to the federal bench.
Ganjei’s departure marks a significant transition for one of the largest and busiest federal districts in the country, which covers 43 counties and serves more than nine million residents. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil cases on behalf of the government, according to its official website.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ganjei said, “The American people provided our office with a mandate to secure the border, annihilate the drug trade, and crack down on violent crime in their communities—and every day the men and women of SDTX work tirelessly to deliver on that commitment. In the past year we’ve accomplished more than we ever thought possible, but there’s still no time to rest.” He added, “Ensuring that the Southern District of Texas is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family is more than just a job, it’s a promise we’ve made to our fellow citizens. In meeting this challenge, I could not have asked for greater colleagues, greater law enforcement partners, or greater support from our Southern District communities. Although I will now be hanging up my spurs as an advocate, I look forward to serving the American people in a new capacity.”
During his leadership since January 2025, Ganjei oversaw nearly 400 employees—including over 200 Assistant U.S. Attorneys—across seven offices located in Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville as described on the official website. The district prioritized border security and immigration enforcement while aggressively prosecuting violent crime and dismantling transnational criminal organizations such as narcoterrorist gangs and cartels.
Under Ganjei’s direction in fiscal year 2026 alone, SDTX was projected to file more cases than any other district nationwide. The office filed over 10,000 indictments and nearly 18,000 criminal complaints while maintaining a conviction rate of 96 percent. Notable initiatives included Operation Lighthouse targeting rideshare sexual assaults; Operation Pick-Off focusing on criminal illegal aliens; Operation Double Down shutting down illegal gaming rooms; and efforts against Chinese-backed espionage.
The Southern District also secured extraditions related to fatal human smuggling events and prosecuted high-profile gang members under racketeering laws carrying life sentences. In calendar year 2025 alone it collected over $148 million through criminal restitution, civil actions and asset forfeiture.
Ganjei was appointed by then-Acting Attorney General James McHenry in January 2025 before being unanimously re-appointed by district judges later that year according to its official history page. He previously served as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas before joining SDTX.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas operates under the Department of Justice and serves at the direction of the Attorney General according to its official website. Past leaders include Alamdar Hamdani (2022–2025) and Ryan Patrick as noted on its history page.
Upon Ganjei’s departure management responsibilities will be assumed by John G.E. Marck who currently serves as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
