Former Fort Hood soldiers sentenced to federal prison for alien smuggling as result of ICE El Paso investigation

ALPINE, Texas — A former U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Hood was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos, Texas, to 33 months in prison for aiding and abetting the transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case with the assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Central Texas Field Office.

“The sentencing of these individuals underscores the serious consequences of engaging in human smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens of ICE Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. “Recruiting fellow soldiers to participate in illegal activities, culminating in a reckless high-speed chase with law enforcement, is a blatant betrayal of duty and public trust. HSI alongside our law enforcement partners, remain committed to dismantling smuggling networks and ensuring those responsible face justice.”

According to court documents, Enrique Jauregui, 26, organized a smuggling event in 2024, recruiting fellow soldiers Angel Palma, 21, and Emilio Mendoza-Lopez, 22. Jauregui provided Palma and Mendoza-Lopez with the location information to pick up illegal aliens to smuggle, supported them with encouraging messages and instructions, and intended to pay the two co-conspirators after they dropped off the illegal aliens.

On Nov. 27, 2024, Palma and Mendoza-Lopez drove from Fort Hood (known at the time as Fort Cavazos) to Presidio, Texas, to pick up three illegal aliens before leading Border Patrol agents on a high-speed chase. At one point, the defendants hit a marked Border Patrol vehicle with an agent inside, causing injuries. Palma and Mendoza-Lopez, along with the three illegal aliens, fled the vehicle on foot. All were apprehended except for Palma, who was located at a hotel in Odessa, Texas, and eventually arrested.

All three co-defendants pleaded guilty in early 2025. Palma and Mendoza-Lopez were each sentenced in May to 24 months in federal prison. In addition to their imprisonment, Palma, Mendoza-Lopez, and Jauregui were also sentenced to three years of supervised release. Jauregui was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. U.S. District Judge David Counts presided over the hearings.

“These three individuals turned their backs on their values in a way that put our nation at risk, and put at risk the lives of others, including the lives of law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Everyone in this district, regardless of whether you wear the uniform or not, should take note: if you seek to enrich yourself by moving illegal aliens into or through this country, you will face the consequences of federal prosecution and will likely find yourself in federal prison.”

“This sentencing demonstrates the strong partnership between Army CID, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Border Patrol," said Special Agent in Charge Lane Allen of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Central Texas Field Office. "Maintaining the readiness and integrity of our fighting force remains our top priority."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Cayton 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.