Jury convicts Mexican national of human smuggling

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 63-year-old woman who resided in Penitas has been found guilty of transporting an illegal alien further into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for approximately 25 minutes before convicting Ludivina Vasquez-Salinas following a one-day trial.

On May 7, 2025, law enforcement encountered a white SUV with Vasquez-Salinas driving. Authorities initially observed three people in the vehicle, but the rear window soon went dark as if someone had covered it with a blanket or other item.

The jury heard that Vasquez-Salinas claimed only she and her daughter were in the vehicle.

However, testimony revealed authorities observed movement beneath a blanket on the rear floorboard. Vasquez-Salinas eventually admitted to law enforcement at the time that she knew there was an illegal alien in her vehicle and that she was transporting them past the checkpoint.

The defense attempted to convince the jury that Vasquez-Salinas was tricked into transporting the illegal alien. The jury did not believe those claims and found her guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 27. At that time, Vasquez-Salinas faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She could also lose her status to reside in the United States.

Vasquez-Salinas has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Griffith and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting 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.