Three soldiers are implicated in human trafficking
Three US soldiers are accused of trafficking undocumented immigrants in Texas. Investigation reveals compromising messages.

- Three US Soldiers Implicated in Human Trafficking.
- Chase in Presidio Leaves Agent Injured.
- Investigation Uncovers Incriminating Messages.
Two US soldiers are appearing in federal court this Friday to face charges related to smuggling undocumented immigrants across the border.
This case also involves a third member of the US military.
Ángel Palma and Enrique Jaureguí are appearing in federal court in Waco, Texas, where they face charges of smuggling and harboring undocumented immigrants.
As well as assaulting a federal agent, according to the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
US Soldiers Appear for Immigrant Smuggling Charges
Emiliano Mendoza López made his initial court appearance last Monday in Alpine, Texas, where he was charged with one count of bringing and harboring undocumented immigrants.
The soldiers came to the attention of authorities on November 27 when Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle in the border area near Presidio, Texas.
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When authorities approached the vehicle, it evaded them, causing two Border Patrol vehicles to collide, injuring one agent, according to the criminal complaint.
Presidio police joined the pursuit and eventually stopped the vehicle, arresting four individuals: three undocumented immigrants (a Mexican citizen and two Guatemalan citizens) and one other person.
Details of Emiliano Mendoza López’s Arrest
The fourth individual detained was Emiliano Mendoza López, who claimed to be a front-seat passenger in the vehicle.
The driver, allegedly Palma, fled on foot and was located the next day at a hotel in Odessa, Texas.
Mendoza López and Palma reportedly traveled nearly 800 kilometers from Fort Cavazos to Presidio to pick up and transport undocumented immigrants, according to court documents.
Jauregui is accused of orchestrating the smuggling operation.
Incriminating Evidence Found
Data extracted from Palma’s phone revealed messages among the three soldiers, confirming their involvement in smuggling undocumented immigrants, the DOJ reported.
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division is also investigating the case.
In 2023, 70% of those who smuggled undocumented immigrants within the U.S. were U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
*WITH INFORMATION FROM EFE.


