Jury convicts Laredo man for human smuggling

LAREDO, Texas - A 61-year-old man has been found guilty for his role in a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before convicting Gonzalo Chavez following a three-day trial.

On Oct. 27, 2025, law enforcement observed a Dodge Durango enter a golf course near the Rio Grande in Laredo before leaving shortly thereafter. Authorities noted the vehicle's rear suspension appeared lower than when it entered.

During a subsequent traffic stop, law enforcement observed four individuals lying down in plain view and attempting to conceal themselves. Authorities determined all four were illegal aliens without legal authorization to be present in the United States.

At trial, the jury heard evidence that Chavez coordinated with human smugglers in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to provide immediate transportation to the illegal aliens after they crossed the Rio Grande. Chavez admitted his role was to transport these aliens to their next destination.

The jury also heard evidence regarding Chavez' prior alien smuggling conviction.

U.S. District Judge John Kazen presided over the trial and set sentencing for March 30. At that time, Chavez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Chavez has been held in custody pending trial and remain so pending sentencing.

United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Manuel Cardenas and Michael Poyfair 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.