A Mexican citizen is facing charges from the federal government for attempting to bribe a U.S. Border Patrol agent after being apprehended for re-entering the United States illegally.
Court records reveal that on February 8, 2025, 29-year-old Samuel Mendoza-Torres was arrested along with another individual near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station in New Mexico. While being transported to the station, Mendoza-Torres allegedly offered $400 to a Border Patrol agent in exchange for his release. According to reports, Mendoza-Torres asked the agent, “Can we fix this?” in an attempt to avoid detainment.
Following his arrest, Mendoza-Torres admitted to authorities that he had been involved in helping undocumented immigrants cross the U.S.-Mexico border. During an interview, he also acknowledged that offering a bribe to a Border Patrol agent was illegal and recognized the severity of his actions.
Mendoza-Torres is currently in federal custody awaiting trial. While a court date has yet to be scheduled, he faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the bribery charge. This case has drawn significant attention, as it highlights efforts by U.S. authorities to address illegal immigration and associated crimes. The investigation into Mendoza-Torres’ actions is being conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, in partnership with the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI.
This arrest is part of a broader series of recent high-profile operations and arrests involving the U.S. Border Patrol. For instance, Kevin Dominguez, a 26-year-old man from Katy, Texas, was sentenced in early 2024 to 18 months in prison after assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The incident occurred on August 1, 2023, when Dominguez attempted to evade authorities at a checkpoint on U.S. Highway 57. As agents questioned him, Dominguez reversed his vehicle and struck one of the agents before fleeing the scene. A high-speed pursuit ensued, and the authorities later apprehended Dominguez after he abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. Dominguez, who was later found to be transporting an undocumented individual in his vehicle, pleaded guilty to the charges.
In another notable case, federal agents in El Paso, Texas, arrested four individuals allegedly involved in a human smuggling operation. The arrests were made after U.S. Border Patrol agents observed suspicious activity at a local motel, known for housing undocumented immigrants. Authorities saw a vehicle with a temporary license plate enter the parking lot, and when the driver left the motel briefly, agents followed and noticed three individuals leaving the building and getting into a different car.
Upon investigation, the individuals in the second vehicle, including Yair Alejandro Aguilar-Flores, Angel Eduardo Carrillo-Carrillo, and Jorge Alfredo Lopez-Acevedo, were all found to be living in the U.S. illegally. Aguilar-Flores, the driver of the vehicle, admitted to authorities that he was originally from Mexico and had been living in the country without legal authorization. The agents also discovered seven other undocumented individuals inside the motel, all of whom were arrested.
The investigation revealed that these individuals were part of a broader smuggling network that moved migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. Authorities also arrested Jesus David Reyes-Villagran, who allegedly orchestrated the operation, after he was observed returning to the motel. Reyes-Villagran reportedly admitted that he had dropped off five undocumented individuals at another hotel prior to the arrests. All four men arrested in connection with the smuggling operation could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of their charges.
Federal authorities have also made significant strides in cracking down on repeat offenders. Melvin Armando Funes-Canales, a Honduran national who had been deported multiple times, was apprehended in Austin, Texas, in July 2024. Funes-Canales had been found in possession of a controlled substance, and after further investigation, it was revealed that he had been previously deported to Honduras in 2020. Funes-Canales had re-entered the country illegally and has a criminal history involving burglary, grand theft, and illegal re-entry.
Funes-Canales now faces criminal charges for illegal re-entry, and if convicted, he could serve up to 10 years in federal prison. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to target individuals who repeatedly attempt to bypass immigration laws.
These arrests and ongoing investigations reflect the U.S. government’s continued commitment to addressing illegal immigration and enforcing border security.
James Anderson is a seasoned journalist and the primary author of many articles on usaunfiltered24.com. With a keen eye for current events and trends, James has built a reputation for delivering timely, insightful content on a wide range of topics, from breaking news to popular culture. His ability to simplify complex issues and present them in an engaging way has made him one of the go-to writers for readers seeking reliable information. With years of experience in the media industry, James is known for his thorough research and commitment to providing readers with accurate and up-to-date news, making him a trusted voice in the world of journalism.