Tango Blast gang members sentenced after leading law enforcement on multiple vehicle pursuits during smuggling attempts following ICE Laredo, federal partners investigation

LAREDO, Texas - Two members of the Tango Blast gang identified as Juan Miguel Regalado, 28, and Samuel Grajeda Jr., 21, were sentenced May 15 after being convicted of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen imposed a 66-month sentence for Regalado. Grajeda previously received a 30-month-term of imprisonment as well as a consecutive six months for violating his supervised release for a previous alien transporting conviction. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. As part of their guilty pleas, Nov. 12, 2024, both admitted to their involvement in the conspiracy

"These sentences reflect the serious consequences awaiting those who engage in human smuggling and endanger public safety," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "Tango Blast gang members put countless lives at risk during these reckless pursuits. Through strong collaboration with our federal and state law enforcement partners, we remain committed to dismantling violent criminal organizations and protecting our communities."

According to court documents, the investigation began April 20, 2024, when a group of suspected illegal aliens entered a green Tahoe in the Mines Road area. Regalado was driving and soon led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, during which multiple individuals jumped out of the vehicle. Regalado drove up to 100 miles per hour before driving the Tahoe into the Rio Grande River. Regalado then swam across to Mexico. Over the next several months, authorities continued to monitor the Mines Road area for other possible smuggling attempts. In November 2024, another group of illegal aliens entered a white Ford Taurus parked near Father McNaboe Park within the Mines Road area.

Authorities followed until a black Mercedes sedan cut them off. Grajeda and Regalado were the respective drivers. An attempted traffic stop of the Ford Taurus then led to another vehicle pursuit in which Grajeda crashed into an innocent bystander’s vehicle and continued to evade law enforcement. As it ended, law enforcement discovered four illegal aliens and the Ford Taurus abandoned in a north Laredo neighborhood.

Authorities then found Grajeda and Regalado within the vicinity of the abandoned vehicle and took them into custody.

Grajeda and Regalado remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined at in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Lopez from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.