Mother arrested in failed smuggling attempt of minor

LAREDO, Texas - An illegal alien who resided in Austin has been charged for her role in a failed attempt to smuggle an 8-year-old child into the United States by a stranger, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Mexican national Nanzy Rodriguez-Sanchez has made her initial appearance in Laredo federal court and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing May 7.

Co-conspirators Jesus Luciano, 34, Austin, and Mexican national Maribel Jaimes-Hernandez, 27, were previously charged for their roles in the scheme.

The charges allege all three participated in a scheme to smuggle Rodriguez-Sanchez's minor child into the United States.

On Oct. 2, 2025, Luciano allegedly attempted to bring the minor into the country by bus in exchange for $5,000. Luciano was a stranger to the child, according to the allegations.

The complaint alleges he provided a birth certificate and claimed the child as his own, but authorities later determined the document belonged to another child.

Jaimes-Hernandez had allegedly provided the birth certificate in exchange for $1,000 to facilitate the smuggling attempt.

If convicted, Rodriguez-Sanchez and Jaimes-Hernandez face up to 10 years in federal prison for their respective roles as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Luciano previously pleaded guilty and could also receive up to 10 years.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manuel A. Cardenas Jr. is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint or indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.