BROWNSVILLE, Texas – In a shocking case of human trafficking, a 22-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following multiple convictions, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Edgar Garcia-Torres pleaded guilty July 28, 2022, to harboring undocumented individuals within the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain, being an alien in possession of a firearm and illegal re-entry into the United States.
The court noted the multiple crimes to which Garcia-Torres pleaded guilty. On June 13, 2022, law enforcement discovered two harbored aliens at a residence located on Palm Drive in San Benito. Shortly after, they arrested Garcia-Torres for harboring the undocumented individuals.
A subsequent search of a second residence located on Bowie Street resulted in the seizure of two firearms, one of which was stolen, and $17,500 in U.S. currency. Authorities were able to link the items to Garcia-Torres.
Garcia-Torres ultimately admitted to harboring 50-60 undocumented aliens at the location.
The court, in handing down the sentence, noted Garcia-Torres’ multiple crimes. Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Garcia-Torres to serve 48 months in federal prison.
Garcia-Torres, not a U.S. citizen, is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and Cameron County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Richard Sanchez, Transporting Undocumented Migrants, Texas 2017 · Texas
- Robert G. Smith, Transporting Undocumented Aliens, Texas 2024 · Texas
- Juan Garcia, Stash House Operation, Texas 2022 · Idaho
- Demetrio Vallejo, Smuggling Undocumented Aliens, Texas 2013 · Texas
- Miguel A. Granadeno, Undocumented Person Transportation, Texas 2013 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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