Repeat alien smuggler sent to prison

Press Release

McALLEN, Texas - A 32-year-old Roma resident has been sentenced for his involvement in alien smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Felipe Montez pleaded guilty Jan. 23.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Montez to serve 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Montez had four prior state arrests for human smuggling within the seven months preceding his federal arrest in December 2024. Several of these prior smuggling attempts involved fleeing from law enforcement. Two resulted in injury to illegal aliens present in his vehicle. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Montez's dangerous activities.

"If you smuggle, assist, or attempt to bring people into this country illegally, you are going to serve federal time," said Ganjei. "The Department of Justice is going to be relentless in its pursuit of those that make their money violating our nation's immigration laws."

On Dec. 23, 2024, Montez attempted to transport seven illegal aliens.

He was driving a vehicle waiting by the Rio Grande River near Escobares as the individuals ran from the river towards him.

Upon the sight of law enforcement, they all attempted to flee, but authorities apprehended them.

Further investigation revealed Montez was involved in four previous alien smuggling events which involved attempts to evade law enforcement. All five occurred in the area of Roma.

Montez's smugglings attempts have involved a total of 41 illegal aliens.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety and Roma Police Department conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Updated April 8, 2025