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June 15, 2022Del Rio, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

HSI, federal partner investigation results in sentencing of Mexican citizen for shooting at 2 USBP agents

DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican citizen was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for shooting at two U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents near Brackettville. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the FBI, USBP, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office, and the Real County Sheriff’s Office.

On June 10, Sergio Trevino, 35, was sentenced to 214 months in prison. On March 31, 2021, Trevino pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a federal officer and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. Trevino was sentenced to 94 months in prison on the assault charge and 120 months on the use of a firearm charge with both sentences to run consecutively.

“This sentence is yet another example of the vital work being conducted by HSI, and its law enforcement partners, to target individuals who are part of dangerous transnational criminal organizations spreading crime and violence in our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of HSI San Antonio. “HSI will continue to aggressively pursue these criminal networks who put the lives of others in jeopardy for financial gain. We will not let up in our efforts to dismantle and disrupt their illicit pathways, leverage all available resources, and work together with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice.”

“Sergio Trevino not only placed the lives of the U.S. Border Patrol agents who were attempting to apprehend him in peril, but also the lives of the undocumented noncitizens he was transporting and everyone traveling on the road that day,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Thankfully, no one was seriously injured by his senseless and dangerous actions. The collective efforts of agents from the U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations, brought Mr. Trevino to justice so that he will no longer be a threat to the community for many years to come.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to those who would commit violent acts against federal officers,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The FBI will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions at the border as well as throughout the United States.”

According to court documents, on Jan. 3, 2021, USBP agents attempted to stop Trevino as he drove a Chevy Suburban northbound on Texas Ranch Road 334 just north of Brackettville. A high-speed chase ensued when Trevino attempted to abscond. During the pursuit, Trevino fired multiple shots at the agents. Spike strips were used to bring his vehicle to a stop. Trevino fled from the vehicle and was later apprehended. Six Honduran nationals were found in the vehicle along with Jesseca Ann Whitmire, 28, a U.S. citizen.

On June 14, 2021, Whitmire pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport noncitizens and faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Whitmire is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2023.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry W. Fadler Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the U.S. government.

HSI San Antonio continues to address the serious public safety threat posed by human smuggling organizations and their reckless disregard for the health and safety of the people they exploit. To report suspicious smuggling activity, you are urged to call 1-866-348-2423.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 special agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

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