Three U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas, face human smuggling charges after a vehicle stop along the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas announced the arrests on Thursday.
The soldiers, Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma (20), and Enrique Jauregui (25), were implicated in a smuggling operation after law enforcement stopped a vehicle near Presidio, Texas, on November 27. The vehicle, allegedly driven by Palma, was carrying Mendoza Lopez, a Mexican national, and two Guatemalan nationals. Presidio is located roughly 500 miles southwest of Dallas.
According to Esparza, “Mendoza Lopez and Palma allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio for the purpose of picking up and transporting undocumented noncitizens.” The investigation also revealed that Jauregui, described as the recruiter and facilitator of the operation, coordinated the effort. Data extracted from Palma’s phone showed messages between the three soldiers detailing their collaboration in the scheme.
Mendoza Lopez was arrested at the scene of the November 27 traffic stop. Palma, who fled the scene, and Jauregui were later apprehended on Tuesday at Fort Cavazos. Both Palma and Jauregui await their first court appearance on Friday, while Mendoza Lopez remains in custody without bail. His attorney, Shane Chriesman, stated, “Once I get discovery and have a chance to assess the case, we’ll develop a plan of attack” as he seeks to secure bond for his client.
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The soldiers’ military ranks remain undisclosed, and Fort Cavazos has not issued a statement regarding the arrests. The case highlights the growing concern over human smuggling operations along the southern border and the involvement of U.S. citizens, including military personnel.
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