Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – A 22-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison. Johnathan Mata-Espinoza pleaded guilty to two counts of armed carjacking July 27, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now imposed a term of 108 months. Not a U.S. citizen, Mata-Espinoza is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court considered a victim impact statement as well as additional evidence regarding Mata-Espinoza’s involvement in Cartel Del Noreste.
“People have the right to raise their families and live their lives without some criminal shoving a gun in their face and threatening their families,” said Ganjei. “Cases like this demonstrate the corrosive effects the cartels have on our border communities. SDTX is working hard not only to secure the border to prevent future criminals from sneaking over, but also finding those criminals, like Mr. Mata-Espinoza, who are already here, preying on American citizens.”
On July 27, 2023, Mata-Espinoza had approached two adults and a child entering their vehicle and requested a ride to the bus station. When they refused, he lifted his shirt and threatened them, saying, “You better take me because if not, I will kill you all.” A young child was already inside the vehicle during the encounter.
One of the victim’s gave Mata-Espinoza the keys, and all three victims were eventually able to escape safely.
Shortly afterward, authorities located the stolen vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Mata-Espinoza briefly halted but fled after ignoring verbal commands.
Later that night, law enforcement discovered the first stolen vehicle abandoned and learned Mata-Espinoza had blocked another vehicle with his own, opened the door and ordered the victim to exit. When they refused, he said,“Bajate a la verga si no te voy a quebrar” (get down or I am going to kill you) and displayed a concealed firearm in his waistband. The victim fled and contacted authorities.
Authorities later discovered the second stolen vehicle abandoned near a home on Peach Tree Lane. Mata-Espinoza took off on foot and law enforcement was unable to apprehend him.
Authorities finally arrested him Sept. 15, 2023, when Mata-Espinoza exited the bus in Laredo.
Mata-Espinoza remains in custody until transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Polce Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch and Brandon S. Bowling prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Updated July 24, 2025
