Persistent human smuggler sentenced for using minor in new scheme involving Chinese nationals

McALLEN, Texas - A 27-year-old Roma resident has been ordered to federal prison for transporting illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Lizandro Monroy pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Monroy to serve 37 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered that Monroy has two prior federal convictions for human smuggling and returned to the same criminal conduct approximately one month after his release from federal custody. In handing down the sentence, the court noted similarities in his prior convictions to include that all involved vehicle or foot pursuits.

On June 21, 2025, authorities discovered a raft crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico near the Roma Observation Deck, a known human smuggling pickup location.

Law enforcement saw a grey Ford Focus make multiple passes before parking near the deck. Monroy exited the vehicle, left it running and then instructed the minor passenger to move into the driver's seat and pick up the aliens.

Shortly thereafter, three Chinese nationals ran from the brush and entered the vehicle, prompting law enforcement to attempt a traffic stop. However, the minor driver fled, which led to a vehicle pursuit and multiple collisions. The vehicle eventually crashed into a utility pole and a law enforcement vehicle before coming to a stop. One of the aliens sustained a head laceration that required medical attention.

Monroy admitted he recruited and paid the 15-year-old minor to transport the smuggled aliens from the pickup location. He also provided the travel route and supplied a cell phone to receive instructions from smuggling coordinators.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia 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.