Three US Army soldiers stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas, have been arrested on human smuggling charges, according to US Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas.
The soldiers, identified as Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma, 20, and Enrique Jauregui, 25, were taken into custody following a November 27 traffic stop near Presidio, a border town about 500 miles southwest of Dallas. The vehicle, allegedly driven by Palma, was carrying Mendoza Lopez, a Mexican national, and two Guatemalan nationals when it was stopped by law enforcement.
Esparza stated that Mendoza Lopez and Palma had allegedly traveled from Fort Cavazos to Presidio with the intent to transport undocumented individuals. Jauregui is accused of acting as the recruiter and facilitator in the smuggling scheme.
Evidence obtained from Palma’s phone through a search warrant revealed messages between the three soldiers that prosecutors claim indicate their collaboration in the operation.
Mendoza Lopez was arrested at the scene, while Palma, who allegedly fled during the traffic stop, and Jauregui were apprehended at Fort Cavazos on Tuesday.
Shane Chriesman, the attorney representing Mendoza Lopez, said he is awaiting further case details from prosecutors. “Once I receive discovery and review the evidence, we’ll develop a defense strategy,” Chriesman said, noting that his client remains in custody without bail.
No legal representation has been listed for Palma and Jauregui, who are expected to make their initial court appearances on Friday.
Officials at Fort Cavazos have not yet commented on the arrests, and it is unclear what disciplinary action, if any, the military has taken against the soldiers.
