A Roma, Texas resident has been sentenced to federal prison for transporting illegal aliens, Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced on Apr. 20. Lizandro Monroy, 27, pleaded guilty in December 2025 and was ordered by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane to serve 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address human smuggling activities along the southern border and the use of minors in these crimes.
According to court records, Monroy has two prior federal convictions for human smuggling and resumed similar criminal activity about a month after his release from custody. The court noted that all his cases involved vehicle or foot pursuits.
Authorities observed a raft crossing the Rio Grande near the Roma Observation Deck on June 21, 2025—a location known for human smuggling pickups. Law enforcement saw Monroy’s grey Ford Focus make several passes before he parked near the deck and instructed a minor passenger to take over as driver and pick up arriving migrants. Three Chinese nationals ran from nearby brush into the vehicle; when officers attempted a traffic stop, the minor fled with them inside, leading to a pursuit that ended after multiple collisions with a utility pole and law enforcement vehicle. One migrant suffered a head injury requiring medical attention.
Monroy admitted recruiting and paying the 15-year-old minor to transport migrants from Mexico into Texas. He also provided directions and supplied a cell phone for communication with coordinators involved in the operation.
He remains in custody awaiting transfer to an as-yet-undetermined Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations alongside Border Patrol led this investigation; Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aimed at countering illegal immigration and organized crime through coordinated Department of Justice resources.
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 its official history page. The office operates locations across Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, and Brownsville as described on its official website. It serves under the Attorney General within the Department of Justice according to official information.
Employing more than 200 attorneys covering over nine million residents across 43 counties as detailed online, it prosecutes federal crimes while handling civil cases on behalf of government agencies according to its mission statement. Alamdar Hamdani served as one leader between 2022-2025 as noted officially.
