Texas National Guard soldier accused of smuggling — Jury delivers fast verdict

A Houston man is found guilty of conspiring to smuggle migrants into the U.S.

HOUSTON — A 27-year-old Houston man and former Texas National Guard soldier has been found guilty of conspiring to smuggle migrants into the United States, federal officials announced Monday.

According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Mario Sandoval was convicted following a one-day trial in Corpus Christi. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding him guilty.

Sandoval had been deployed to the U.S.–Mexico border as part of Operation Lonestar. However, after being released from his orders, prosecutors say he remained in the Rio Grande Valley and began smuggling migrants in July 2024.

During the trial, jurors reviewed Sandoval’s text messages, which discussed needing drivers to move migrants from the Rio Grande Valley to destinations north of the immigration checkpoint. Surveillance also placed Sandoval at the checkpoint while he was messaging others about the presence of law enforcement and K-9 patrols.

Defense attorneys argued that no conspiracy existed and claimed the messages were taken out of context, but jurors rejected those claims.

“The conduct in this case represents an unthinkable violation of public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “Thousands of brave men and women, military and civilian alike, work tirelessly to keep our border secure. It is truly disheartening that one bad apple chose to betray his fellow soldiers, his fellow citizens, and his country by engaging in human smuggling.”

Sandoval was discharged from the Texas National Guard in October 2024.

Sentencing is set for October 22 before U.S. District Judge David S. Morales. Sandoval faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Ashley Martin prosecuting.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration, cartel activity, and violent crime.

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