Texas Guard Soldier Convicted of Alien Smuggling

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – In a stunning betrayal of duty, Mario Sandoval, a 27-year-old Houston resident, has been found guilty for conspiring to smuggle illegal aliens into the country. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, who emphasized that the jury took less than an hour to convict Sandoval following a one-day trial.

Sandoval had served with the Texas National Guard along the U.S.-Mexico border in Operation Lonestar before he turned his back on his fellow soldiers and citizens by engaging in human smuggling. After returning from duty, Sandoval began smuggling aliens in July 2024, the prosecution revealed. The jury was presented with text messages from Sandoval discussing the need for drivers to transport aliens north of the immigration checkpoint.

Surveillance footage showed Sandoval at the immigration checkpoint during the same time he was sending messages about law enforcement and K-9 patrols. Despite the defense’s attempt to argue that no conspiracy existed and Sandoval’s text messages were out of context, the jury found him guilty as charged.

Ganjei condemned Sandoval’s actions, stating, “The conduct in this case represents an unthinkable violation of public trust.” He expressed gratitude to the jury for their attention and dedication to the matter. Following his conviction, Sandoval was discharged from the Texas National Guard in October 2024.

Sandoval now faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing, which is scheduled for October 22. The trial was presided over by U.S. District Judge David S. Morales. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. It underscores the commitment of the Department of Justice to using all resources in this fight.

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