Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican national has been charged for smuggling 19 people and for illegally re-entering the United States following an order of removal.
Orlando Daniel Hernandez-Cepeda is now in custody and is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III April 10 at 8:45 a.m.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on March 10, authorities observed a white cargo van drive towards the Rio Grande River and come to a stop. At that time, they observed approximately 20 individuals entering the van, according to the allegations.
The charges allege that after the vehicle departed the location, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. A search allegedly resulted in the discovery of 19 illegal aliens in the back with no legal status to enter or remain in the United States.
The indictment, returned March 27, alleges authorities also identified Hernandez-Cepeda as a Mexican citizen with no legal status to enter or remain in the United States and had been previously removed.
Hernandez-Cepeda is charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and faces up to 10 years in federal prison, upon conviction. If convicted of any of the three counts of transporting illegal aliens, he could receive up to five years and another two years upon conviction of illegal reentry. All charges also carry a potential $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Salazar is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Updated March 28, 2025
