Texas Immigration Bust

⏱ 2 min read

Human smugglers and illegal aliens with violent crime histories are facing justice in Western Texas. From March 20 to March 26, federal prosecutors filed 231 new immigration and immigration-related cases. The charges include human smuggling and illegal entry, with some defendants having prior convictions for violent crimes, drug trafficking, and multiple DWIs. The cases were filed in the Western District of Texas, which includes San Antonio and El Paso.

One notable case involves Miguel Angel Castro, a Fabens resident arrested on human smuggling charges. Castro allegedly attempted to smuggle three illegal aliens for $1,000 and transport them to a stash house in Horizon City. He has previous convictions for human smuggling in 2020 and 2024, and was sentenced to prison terms of five months and 21 months, respectively.

Another case involves Francisco Irineo Rodriguez-Cordero, a Mexican national arrested for illegal entry near Sierra Blanca. Rodriguez-Cordero has been deported four times, with the most recent deportation occurring on November 24, 2025. He also has prior convictions for DUI, assault, and dangerous drugs.

US Attorney Justin R. Simmons announced the new cases, which demonstrate the ongoing efforts to combat immigration crimes in Western Texas. The arrests and charges are the result of collaboration between federal agencies, including the US Border Patrol, and highlight the need for continued vigilance in addressing human smuggling and illegal entry.