The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas announced 259 individuals were charged with immigration and related crimes between May 22 and May 28, under Operation Take Back America. Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced charges including illegal reentry, illegal entry, human smuggling, and firearms offenses.
Of those charged, 160 illegal aliens face prosecution for unlawfully reentering the U.S., and 69 for illegal entry. Many possess prior convictions for narcotics trafficking, immigration offenses, and violent crimes. An additional 28 individuals face human smuggling charges.
Among the cases is Juan Ayala-Montero, an illegal alien from Mexico, who allegedly fired an AR-style rifle at multiple individuals in New Caney over Memorial Day weekend, striking one victim. Authorities reportedly recovered an Olympic Arms .223 AR-Style rifle and spent shell casings. Ayala-Montero, previously removed, faces up to 15 years if convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
Further criminal complaints detail Marcos Ismael Escobar-Sosa, a Cuban national with a prior felony for credit card abuse, found near Mission after a February removal. Gustavo Arroyo-Anaya, a Mexican national with a burglary conviction and removed in 2025, was found near Donna. Both could receive up to 20 years in federal prison.
In a separate case, Leonardo Cordona-Hernandez, an illegal alien from Mexico, received a 72-month federal prison sentence for illegally reentering the country. Discovered in Houston in February 2024, Cordona-Hernandez has prior felony convictions for robbery, drug trafficking, and unlawful firearm possession.
Federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, Border Patrol, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals, and ATF, supported these cases. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative combating illegal immigration. The Southern District of Texas prioritizes public safety and border security.