A Mexican citizen, 29-year-old Samuel Mendoza-Torres, is facing federal charges after trying to bribe a U.S. Border Patrol agent following his capture for illegal entry into the United States. Mendoza-Torres was arrested on February 8, 2025, near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station. While being taken to the station, he reportedly asked the agent, “Can we fix this?” and offered $400 to avoid jail time. He later admitted to assisting illegal immigrants crossing from Mexico and acknowledged that bribery was against the law. Mendoza-Torres is currently in custody awaiting trial and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
In another case, Kevin Dominguez, a 26-year-old man from Katy, Texas, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for assaulting a Border Patrol officer. Dominguez attempted to flee a checkpoint on August 1, 2023, after a canine detected a hidden passenger in his car’s trunk. He struck an agent with his vehicle during his escape, prompting a high-speed chase. Dominguez later pleaded guilty to assault and other charges in January 2024.
Federal authorities also arrested four people in El Paso on criminal charges related to a human smuggling operation. Agents from the Ysleta Border Patrol Station noticed suspicious activity around a motel known for harboring undocumented immigrants. They apprehended the suspects and found seven additional undocumented individuals in a motel room. The suspects admitted to transporting and moving illegal migrants and could face up to 10 years in prison.
In a separate arrest, Melvin Armando Funes-Canales, a Honduran citizen with a history of multiple deportations and criminal convictions, was taken into federal custody in Austin on charges of illegal re-entry. Funes-Canales had been deported six times and had previous convictions for burglary and grand theft. He faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to combat illegal border crossings and human smuggling. Agencies involved include the U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI, and federal prosecutors.
Officials emphasize that sentencing will depend on federal guidelines and judicial discretion. Each defendant’s case is being carefully reviewed as investigations continue.
The Trump administration has increased pressure on immigration enforcement, resulting in multiple arrests and prosecutions of individuals involved in border-related crimes.
Federal authorities urge the public to report suspicious activities and remain vigilant as part of a broader strategy to secure the U.S. border and uphold immigration laws.
