ICE HSI investigation results in the sentencing of Bandidos gang member for transporting undocumented immigrants and obstructing justice

MCALLEN, Texas – A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) probe resulted in the sentencing of a south Texas man for his role in a conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants.

This case was conducted by HSI McAllen office in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol.

On Feb. 2, 2021, Benito Lopez III, 53, from Los Ebanos appeared before U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez who sentenced him to 82 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The court found Lopez responsible for smuggling 25 to 99 undocumented immigrants over the course of a 4-month conspiracy. Additionally, he had created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury based on the conditions in which he housed the undocumented immigrants.

Judge Alvarez enhanced the sentence, finding Lopez obstructed justice by providing detailed confidential information to co-conspirators regarding the investigation. He was also in possession of firearms and used minors during and in furtherance of the conspiracy. Judge Alvarez also noted how Lopez endangered others, both during the conspiracy and while on bond. She stated she needed to impose a sentence to promote respect for the rule of law and deter his future criminal conduct. HSI discovered that Lopez was an active member of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization. Lopez pleaded guilty Feb. 3, 2020.