A Weslaco resident, Hugo Jimenez Jr., was sentenced on Mar. 11 to 36 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Jimenez pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2025, and will also serve two years of supervised release following his prison term. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge David S. Morales, who cited Jimenez’s leadership role and the number of individuals transported as factors in the decision. During the hearing, evidence was presented that Jimenez attempted to mislead law enforcement after a failed smuggling attempt led to the seizure of his vehicle.
From October 2024 through May 2025, Jimenez organized multiple smuggling operations throughout South Texas and worked with others to move illegal aliens further into the United States. He recruited local drivers and coordinated efforts to conceal people in cargo areas of vehicles passing through Border Patrol checkpoints. At times, he personally transported individuals as far as San Antonio or Houston.
Jimenez had previously been released on bond but is now in custody awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol’s Intelligence Unit and Kingsville Abatement Team with support from the Rio Grande Valley Sector Targeting and Intelligence Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lamont prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and criminal organizations.
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 operates locations in Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville as described on the official website. It is part of the U.S. Department of Justice under the Attorney General according to its official website.
The Southern District employs more than 200 attorneys covering 43 counties with a population exceeding nine million as detailed on its official website. Its primary focus is prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil cases for the government according to its official website. Alamdar Hamdani served as one of its leaders from 2022 to 2025 as noted on its official history page.
