New Orleans resident Mailon Almendares-Martinez, 22, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for orchestrating the transport of illegal aliens across the border.
The verdict came after a swift three-day trial on April 30th, where a jury deliberated less than an hour before finding Almendares-Martinez guilty. He is not a U.S. citizen and will likely face removal proceedings upon his release.
Almendares-Martinez operated the smuggling ring from October 30 to November 2, 2022, coordinating with accomplices in Houston and New Orleans. He offered up to $2,000 per person for the illegal crossing, directing operations via WhatsApp and phone calls.
During one attempted crossing, rival smugglers opened fire, wounding two aliens. Despite injuries, Almendares-Martinez instructed drivers not to seek medical attention. The group was eventually apprehended at a Houston motel after escaping the next day.
Seven New Orleans-based associates of Almendares-Martinez have already pleaded guilty, including Yunior Sorto-Ramirez and Bayron Pineda-Alvarado, both 23, and Alan Galvez-Baquedano, 22. The investigation was led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Houston Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort to combat illegal immigration and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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