A San Juan resident was sentenced on April 2 to 33 months in federal prison for transporting six illegal aliens, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. Mario Trevino, age 53, pleaded guilty on Dec. 29, 2025, and will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address human smuggling and related crimes in South Texas. The sentencing follows evidence presented that the individuals were concealed in a confined space inside a tractor trailer, with at least one expressing concern for their safety. The court also heard about Trevino’s prior attempts to evade law enforcement and noted his criminal history of drug offenses and previous alien smuggling convictions.
According to the press release, Trevino drove a tractor trailer through the Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita on Oct. 28, 2025, claiming it was empty as he headed to pick up a load. Law enforcement officers searched the vehicle and found six illegal aliens hidden in the sleeper area—some under a blanket and others inside a cabinet. The individuals reported they had entered the United States illegally and were transported through multiple locations before being instructed by Trevino to remain hidden during transport.
Trevino remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined. Border Patrol conducted the investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, described as an initiative aimed at countering illegal immigration and targeting transnational criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas has included notable figures such as Alamdar Hamdani and Ryan Patrick among its former leaders according to the official history page. The office maintains locations across Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville as described on its official website. It is part of the Department of Justice under the Attorney General according to its official website.
Employing more than 200 attorneys covering over nine million people across 43 counties as detailed on its official website, this office prosecutes federal crimes and handles civil cases for the government according to its official website. Alamdar Hamdani served as U.S. Attorney from 2022 until 2025 as noted on its official history page.
