Former Fort Hood soldiers sentenced to prison for attempting to smuggle undocumented immigrants

ALPINE, Texas (KWTX) - A former Fort Hood soldier was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos to 33 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the transportation of undocumented immigrants for financial gain, according to a report from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to prosecutors, Enrique Jauregui, 26, orchestrated a smuggling event in 2024, recruiting fellow soldiers Angel Palma, 21, and Emilio Mendoza Lopez, 22.

Jauregui told Palma and Mendoza Lopez about the location to pick up undocumented immigrants to smuggle.

The release says Jauregui supported them with encouraging messages and instructions and intended to pay the two soldiers after they completed the drop-off.

“These three individuals turned their backs on their values in a way that put our nation at risk, and put at risk the lives of others, including the lives of law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Everyone in this district, regardless of whether you wear the uniform or not, should take note: if you seek to enrich yourself by moving illegal aliens into or through this country, you will face the consequences of federal prosecution and will likely find yourself in federal prison.”

On Nov. 27, 2024, Palma and Mendoza Lopez drove from Fort Hood, previously known as Fort Cavazos, to Presidio and picked up three undocumented immigrants before leading U.S. Border Patrol agents on a high-speed chase.

The release states the defendants hit a marked USBP vehicle with an agent inside, causing injuries.

The two along with the three undocumented immigrants fled the vehicle on foot according to the release.

All were arrested except for Palma, who was found at a hotel in Odessa and eventually arrested.

All three co-defendants pleaded guilty in early 2025.

The release states Palma and Mendoza Lopez were both sentenced in May to 24 months in federal prison in addition to three years of supervised release.

“The sentencing of these individuals underscores the serious consequences of engaging in human smuggling,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens for Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. “Recruiting fellow soldiers to participate in illegal activities, culminating in a reckless high-speed chase with law enforcement is a blatant betrayal of duty and public trust. HSI alongside our law enforcement partners, remain committed to dismantling smuggling networks and ensuring those responsible face justice.”

Jauregui was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

“This sentencing demonstrates the strong partnership between Army CID, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Border Patrol,” said Special Agent in Charge Lane Allen of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Central Texas Field Office. “Maintaining the readiness and integrity of our fighting force remains our top priority.”

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