Guatemalan Pleads Guilty to Immigration Violations in Waco

WACO, Texas – In a stark reminder of the nation’s immigration enforcement efforts, Pablo David Cajti-Tzoy, a Guatemalan national, has pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of failure to notify of an address change and one count of failure to carry his alien registration on his person. The 30-year-old was nabbed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Waco Fugitive Operations Team in Temple on June 21.

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Court documents reveal that Cajti-Tzoy, who entered the U.S. as a Temporary Agricultural Worker through Houston in October 2019, was issued a Form I-94 with authorization to remain until Jan. 3, 2020. His last known address, provided to the Department of Homeland Security, was in Immokalee, Florida. However, since Dec. 30, 2021, he had been residing in Harker Heights, Texas. The defendant failed to notify his new address within the required 10-day period and was also without his I-94 form during his encounter with ICE officers.

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Both charges are misdemeanors, carrying a maximum penalty of 30 days in federal prison. U.S. Magistrate Judge Derek T. Gilliland sentenced Cajti-Tzoy to time-served, reflecting the gravity of his violations but also his first-time offenses. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Frazier, who secured the conviction.

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U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced the sentence, emphasizing that this case is part of Operation Take Back America. This nationwide initiative utilizes the full resources of the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. The efforts are streamlined through OCDETFs and PSN.

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The ICE investigation led to Cajti-Tzoy’s arrest and subsequent conviction, showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of immigration violations. This case serves as a testament to the federal government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of our immigration laws.

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Cajti-Tzoy’s sentence has been fulfilled, marking a legal milestone in his life and underscoring the consequences that come with disregarding immigration protocols. The grimy details of this case serve as a stark warning to others who may consider similar actions.