McALLEN, Texas – A shocking display of disregard for the law has led to a 10-year prison sentence for Carlos Alberto Salinas, a 28-year-old man from Sullivan City, Texas.
According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Salinas pleaded guilty to alien and drug smuggling on December 6, 2024. This guilty plea was a direct result of an investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol, who tracked Salinas’ illegal activities.
Salinas’ crimes came to light on July 24, 2024, when he attempted to pick up 10 illegal aliens and approximately 100 kilograms of marijuana from the Rio Grande River in Sullivan City. In a brazen attempt to evade law enforcement, Salinas and several aliens swam across the river to Mexico.
However, Salinas’ efforts to flee the law ultimately backfired. The U.S. Border Patrol conducted a swift response to the event, and Salinas was eventually apprehended.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case, which is part of Operation Take Back America. This nationwide initiative seeks to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
Salinas’ sentence was enhanced due to his prior alien smuggling and felony drug convictions. He demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and showed no signs of remorse for his actions. The court found that Salinas was responsible for smuggling over 75 aliens and attempting to flee to Mexico to evade law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton handed down the 120-month sentence, which will be served in federal prison. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in illegal activities, particularly those related to alien and drug smuggling.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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