South Texas Crackdown: DOJ Charges 235 — 51 Hidden In Refrigerated Truck, 146 Felony Reentries

Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Texas charged 235 people from Nov. 21–27 in immigration and border-security cases: 17 for human smuggling, 70 for illegal entry, and 146 for felony reentry—many with prior felony records. One complaint alleges 51 people were concealed in a 55-degree refrigerated trailer near Freer. The cases span multiple divisions and were supported by HSI, ERO, Border Patrol, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals, and ATF under DOJ’s Operation Take Back America. Officials emphasize cross-agency coordination targeting smuggling networks and repeat unlawful reentry.