Three soldiers from Fort Cavazos, Texas, were arrested on charges related to a human trafficking operation, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza confirmed on Thursday. The arrests were made after a vehicle transporting undocumented individuals was intercepted by law enforcement near Presidio, Texas. Located approximately 805 kilometers southwest of Dallas.
Arrest Details and Charges to the Soldiers
The soldiers involved in the arrests are Emilio Mendoza López (20), Angel Palma (20), and Enrique Jauregui (25). Authorities stopped a vehicle driven by Palma, which was carrying Mendoza López and three undocumented migrants—one from Mexico and two from Guatemala. The vehicle was detained on November 27 at a checkpoint near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Esparza stated that Mendoza López and Palma traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio with the intention of pick up and transport the undocumented individuals across the border. Jauregui, identified as the recruiter and facilitator for the trafficking ring, allegedly helped coordinate the operation. A subsequent investigation uncovered messages from Palma‘s phone. And revealed communications among the soldiers about their involvement in the illegal activity.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Mendoza López was arrested at the scene where the vehicle was detained, while Palma, who reportedly fled, and Jauregui were later apprehended in Fort Cavazos on December 3. Mendoza López’s attorney, Shane Chriesman, is awaiting further evidence from the prosecution to assess the situation.
“Once I receive the evidence and have a chance to evaluate the case, we will develop a plan of attack and seek bail for Mendoza Lopez, who is currently incarcerated without bail”.
Shane Chriesman
In conclusion, the soldiers are currently facing serious charges, and their first court appearances are scheduled for Friday. At this point, it remains unclear whether any actions were taken by the military in response to the arrests. A spokesperson from Fort Cavazos has not yet provided any comments on the matter.
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