Latest news with #NicholasGanjei
Fox News
02-07-2025
- Fox News
FBI takes down Anti-Tren gang members in largest bust yet in violent migrant turf war
Federal officials on Monday arrested 16 members of the Anti-Tren gang, a rival of the violent Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), in Texas in what is being described as the largest Anti-Tren crackdown yet. Of those 16 gang members, 14 are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, and two are charged separately with various weapons offenses based on their alleged possession and sale of firearms, according to the Justice Department. "These arrests are the largest takedown of suspected Anti-Tren members and associates by the FBI, so far, and they happened right here in Houston," FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams said in a Monday statement. "These individuals are accused of engaging in a turf war with TdA members and carrying out numerous violent crimes throughout our city, including a mass shooting at a local sports bar that left six people wounded." Charges alleged that Anti-Tren is a criminal organization mostly composed of former TdA members known for its deadly turf wars, as well as gun and drug trafficking. "The Southern District's twin priorities are securing our border and the eradication of violent crime. This case implicates both," U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said in a Monday statement. "Operation Take Back America means going on the offensive against transnational criminal organizations to ensure that they cannot take root in our community and endanger public safety. SDTX is going to be unapologetic in carrying out that mission." If convicted on the drug charges, the suspects face up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine. Those charged separately with firearms offenses could receive up to 15 years in prison. Jose Miguel Briceno, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela living in Houston, is also charged separately with unlawful possession of ammunition by an alien after he was allegedly involved in a mass shooting in March at the Latinas Sports Bar club in Houston, where six people were wounded, including four in critical condition. Briceno is accused of using a firearm to shoot inside the doorway of the bar and then discarding the gun. Officials were unable to locate the weapon. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine if convicted. The U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case with the Department of Justice's Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13 and expanded to include TdA under Attorney General Pam Bondi. The 16 arrests come as 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," according to the DOJ.
New York Post
18-06-2025
- New York Post
Illegal immigrant who trafficked heavy-duty guns to Mexican drug cartel hit with federal prison sentence, faces deportation
A 25-year-old illegal immigrant was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for trafficking guns to Mexico's vicious Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Texas prosecutors said Wednesday. Jorge Alberto Morales-Calvo pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges that he and a cohort used a cartel broker to buy heavy-duty arms for the narcotraffickers — including a Barrett .50-caliber rifle and a FN Herstal Belgium 5.7X28 caliber pistol, the feds said. 'The Department of Justice is looking to hit the cartels from every angle and at every opportunity, which includes vigorously prosecuting not just the member of these terror groups, but those that enable them as well,' Nicholas Ganjei, US attorney for Southern Texas, said in a statement. Advertisement 3 Federal prosecutors said a Mexican immigrant was nabbed trying to buy a .50 caliber Barrett rifle for a drug cartel. REUTERS 3 Graffiti marking the turf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico's most violent drug cartels. AP 'Those that arm or otherwise empower the cartels are going to the meet the full force of the federal criminal justice system,' he said. Advertisement On the day the $16,000 deal was due to go down, Morales-Calvo waited in a car outside while co-defendant Homero Arteaga, 45, inspected the guns to complete the sale — when the feds moved in. Prosecutors said the Mexican national tried to flee but didn't make it out of the parking lot. 3 Federal prosecutors in Texas said Jorge Alberto Morales-Calvo will face deportation after serving more than three years. Getty Images He pleaded guilty on Jan. 8 and was sentenced to three years and five months in federal prison this week — and will be turned over to immigration agents for deportation when he gets released. Advertisement Arteaga pleaded guilty on Nov. 21 and was sentenced earlier to nearly five years in prison. 'Trafficking firearms on behalf of violent cartels is not just illegal, it fuels deadly cycle of violence on both sides of the border,' said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 'This case demonstrates how seriously we take these crimes and how we are using every tool and resource available to disrupt the illegal flow of weapons, dismantle cartel networks,' he said.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Over 1,150 Illegal Aliens Charged With Federal Immigration Crimes Near Mexican Border
More than 1,150 illegal aliens near the Mexican border – including more than 600 in Texas – were charged this month with federal immigration crimes. U.S. attorneys in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas charged more than 1,150 illegal aliens in early June with violating immigration law, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. Federal officials in West and South Texas filed 612 total immigration cases, including against violent felons, human smugglers, and illegals who were previously deported. The Texas Arrests The Southern District of Texas filed 202 cases from May 30 to June 5, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. Officials charged 129 aliens for 'illegally entering the country,' and charged 63 for 'felony reentry after prior removal.' Seven cases involved 'human smuggling.' 'Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more,' the release reads. One suspect is Luis Humberto Gonzalez-Sanchez, who allegedly harbored 16 illegal aliens in his home in Mercedes, a small town near the Texas-Mexico border, according to the release. He allegedly sheltered more than 100 illegals in the last six months, for each of whom he was reportedly paid $150. He could face up to 10 years in prison. Six Mexican nationals are also facing charges for 'unlawfully returning without any permission,' the release said. Juan Manuel De La Cruz-Mejia, Jose Luis Tostado-Flores, Jesus Morales-Vargas, Jose Patricio Rios-Rojas, Juan Manuel Alvarado-Gonzalez, and Oscar Vicente Perez-Lopez had previously been convicted of illegal entry from 2015 to 2023. They were sentenced to federal prison for these charges, but authorities recently found them again in the Rio Grande Valley. They could face up to 20 years in prison. The Western District of Texas filed 410 new immigration cases from May 30 to June 5, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons. The charges include illegal reentry and human smuggling. Officials charged Mexican national Albert Sanchez-Jaimes with one count of illegal reentry, according to the release. They found him at the Burnet County Jail, where he faced charges of boating while intoxicated and marijuana possession. According to court records, he was booked on May 25 and placed on detainer for Austin ICE and U.S. Marshals. He was previously arrested on charges including assault, failure to identify a fugitive, and driving without a license. The ICE Fugitive Operations Team arrested Mexican national Daniel Edgar Perez-Cortez on June 5 on a referral from Waco Crime Stoppers, according to the release. He was previously convicted in 2024 for illegal reentry. He had also been convicted of driving while intoxicated, possessing prohibited weapons, and deadly conduct by discharging a firearm. Border Patrol agents also arrested two Honduran nationals for illegal reentry in Eagle Pass on June 2, the release said. Ariel Antonio Lopez-Serrano was convicted in 2023 for human smuggling, and Jose Aparicio Diaz-Amaya returned after being deported three times. Agents also arrested U.S. citizens Cynthia Guerrero and Berenice Stevens in El Paso on May 31, for allegedly trying to sneak seven people – including six children – into the country. 'The minors had been given seven gummies of an unknown substance to make them sleep,' the release reads. Guerrero and Stevens were charged with human smuggling. Authorities also charged several Mexican nationals in other human smuggling busts. Other Border Busts The District of Arizona brought immigration charges against 199 suspects, according to the DOJ release. Officials filed 74 cases for illegal reentry and charged 104 aliens for illegal entry. They also charged 20 suspects allegedly 'responsible for smuggling illegal aliens' into Arizona. The Southern District of California filed 131 'border-related' cases, including for assaulting a federal officer, smuggling 'controlled substances,' smuggling illegal aliens 'for financial gain,' and illegal reentry. The District of New Mexico filed 211 immigration and 'border security-related' cases, the release said. Officials charged 67 people for illegal reentry, 5 for 'alien smuggling,' 50 for illegal entry, and 88 for illegal entry in the new Military Zone. Federal authorities made several large drug busts at the border last week, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. This week, the DOJ announced a major 'narcotrafficker' had been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Earlier this month, officials also charged a father and son for aiding a Mexican cartel through their South Texas oil business.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Houston game room raids: 61-year-old ring leader among 16 charged in $22 million scheme; 45 arrested in total
The Brief Local and federal law enforcement raided 30 illegal gaming rooms across the Houston area on Wednesday. Nearly 15 people were taken into custody. Two are still wanted. A Richmond man allegedly used family members, among others, to operate game rooms, then transferred proceeds to his other financial assets. Over 30 undocumented immigrants were allegedly arrested for working as armed security. The alleged leader paid who he thought was a corrupt officer for protection from the law. The officer was actually undercover. HOUSTON - A 61-year-old man is among 45 people arrested for a multi-million-dollar scheme involving illegal game rooms in the Houston area. According to federal officials, 30 of the man's game rooms were the target of police raids on Wednesday. What we know U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei says over 720 law enforcement agents and officers were involved in Wednesday's raids. The operation involved about 20 local and federal agencies, including Houston police, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the IRS, and the FBI. Officials raided 45 locations in total across the Houston area, including 30 alleged illegal gaming rooms with names like "El Portal" and "Yellow Building." Ganjei says the raids were the result of a five-year "Operation Double Down" operation involving multiple agencies. Officials were executing 85 warrants and a 37-count indictment against 16 suspects. The following 14 have been arrested: Nizar Ali, 61, from Richmond Naeem Ali, 33, Richmond Amer Khan, 68, Richmond Ishan Dhuka, 33, Rosenberg Shil Karovalia, 32, Rosenberg Safarez Maredia, 38, Sugar Land Shoaib Maredia, 40, Sugar Land Yoland Figueroa, 40, Pasadena Viviana Alverado, 45, LaPorte Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46, Houston Precela Solis, 27, Houston Maria Delarosa, 53, Houston Claudia Calderon, 37, Houston Lucia Hernandez, 34, Houston Two others are still wanted: 59-year-old Sayed Ali of Richmond 35-year-old Stephanie Huerta of Houston The suspects are accused of "conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business and interstate travel in aid of racketeering," with each charge carrying an up to five-year prison sentence. The suspects are also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries an up to 20-year sentence. According to Ganjei, no game room customers were arrested during the raids. Only those who were accused of helping to operate the game rooms were reportedly arrested. "Nobody here is being charged with simply gambling. It's for people that were operating this criminal scheme and laundering money," Ganjei said. In addition to the arrests, officials seized over 2,000 illegal slot machines, eight firearms, "numerous high-end vehicles," 100 Rolex watches, $4.5 million in cash, and $6.5 million from accounts and other financial institutions. What we don't know It's also not clear what other 15 locations were targeted in Wednesday's raids. RELATED: Houston game rooms raided: Numerous locations targeted by authorities The backstory According to Ganjei, the game rooms were all being operated under one mastermind: 61-year-old Nizar Ali. Ali allegedly used family members, among others, to operate illegal game rooms across the Houston area. Ali then disguised the proceeds from the game rooms by distributing them among his businesses, 25 bank accounts, and other assets. Ganjei says Ali made $22 million in illicit proceeds. The suspect allegedly also hired 31 undocumented immigrants as armed guards for the game rooms and his other businesses. Those immigrants were arrested "on various immigration and firearm charges" during Wedensday's raids, according to Ganjei's office. "The scheme itself was sophisticated in its design and operation," Ganjei said in a press conference on Thursday. "It utilized armed security, surveillance systems, membership lists, and member ID cars to ensure that those that were accessing these game rooms were legitimate customers of theirs and couldn't otherwise expose the operation." In addition to the other charges, Ali is also charged with 32 counts of federal program bribery. Ganjei says Ali bribed who he thought was a corrupt Houston police officer, so his operations could be hidden from the law. The officer was actually undercover and involved in the investigation. The Source United States Attorney's Office - Southern District of Texas.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Feds crack down on Bandido Motorcycle Gang after 6-year investigation
The Brief The 22-year-RICO indictment names 10 defendants Crimes alleged include arson, robbery, assault, and murder. Indictment alleges Bandidos sought to maintain by force Houston-Area monopoly over Motorcycle Clubs. HOUSTON - "Violent, brazen and vicious" - all words used by Federal agents to describe the Bandidos, a motorcycle gang which has waged war on rivals challenging their so-called "monopoly" in the Greater Houston area. What we know U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei says the 22-count felony racketeering indictment announced Wednesday caps a six-year investigation into crimes including arson, assault, robbery and murder, all allegedly perpetrated by members of the Bandidos in an ongoing "turf war" to maintain dominance over a gang known as "The Beast". Ganjei says the violence was often indiscriminate, threatening the safety of the public. Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app What they're saying "The Bandidos sought to exert a monopoly on motorcycle clubs and gangs in the Houston area which could only operate with their blessing and their permission. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the criminal conduct alleged in this case was how open and brazen it was. The alleged assaults and shootings took place in public spaces in bars, in restaurants, motorcycle dealership, and on our public roads," said Ganjei. Dig deeper Over the past five years, FOX 26 has reported multiple acts of violence involving the Bandidos and their rivals including ambush-style attacks and multiple fatalities. FBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Douglas Williams told reporters the Bandidos were operating under a standing order the group's national leadership to attack rival "Beast" members on sight. "Make no mistake, members of this chapter are not the glamorized characters you have seen in TV shows and in the movies. These are vicious, violent men who regularly put innocent people in life-threatening situations to further a senseless turf war," said Williams. Among those arrested and charged was the President of the "Welcome to Hell" chapter based in Katy. Ganjei says, if convicted, many of the ten defendants charged face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The Source FOX 26 Reporter Greg Groogan has more on the crackdown after speaking with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
