LAREDO, Texas – A 36-year-old Mexican national with a long history of breaking the law has been sentenced to 66 months in prison for human smuggling and unlawful re-entry, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jesus Hernandez-Herrera pleaded guilty March 27 to his crimes, which included leading a high-speed chase through the streets of Laredo, weaving in and out of heavy traffic at speeds of up to 95 miles per hour.
The pursuit ended when Hernandez-Herrera crashed into two vehicles on Santa Maria Avenue, causing chaos and destruction. He and four suspected illegal aliens fled on foot, but Hernandez-Herrera was apprehended by law enforcement before he could escape.
According to court records, Hernandez-Herrera has five prior removals from the United States, and his lack of remorse for his crimes was a major factor in the sentencing decision.
“The human smuggling trade endangers our community in many ways, not the least of which is high-speed vehicular flights like the one in this case,” said Ganjei. “This defendant, with his five prior removals, should have never been in this country, but now he’ll have the opportunity to stay in federal custody for several more years before being removed for one last time.”
The investigation into Hernandez-Herrera’s crimes was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.
Hernandez-Herrera will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. His crimes are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at repelling the invasion of illegal immigration and protecting communities from violent crime.
As part of the investigation, authorities discovered an additional four people illegally in the United States and approximately 50.8 kilograms of marijuana at the Green Street residence where Hernandez-Herrera was staying.
Hernandez-Herrera’s sentencing is a significant blow to the human smuggling trade, and it serves as a reminder that those who engage in these crimes will be held accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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