LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old man unlawfully residing in Laredo has admitted to conspiracy to transport 12 undocumented citizens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On April 22, Jesus Martinez-Villela attempted to flee authorities by driving off-road near Encinal. They ultimately located his abandoned truck with an injured person on the ground near it. Another victim was found unresponsive in the bed of the truck. He was pronounced dead on scene.
Law enforcement conducted a search of the surrounding area and eventually apprehended 12 additional people. All were determined to be undocumented citizens illegally present in the United States. Some of those were transported to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries.
Sentencing will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. At that time, Martinez-Villela faces up to life imprisonment as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.