stanforddams/biglocal huggingface dataset:
Follow Us

@HSIHouston

February 3, 2025Corpus Christi, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

Houston man sentenced to prison for stealing car to smuggle aliens

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Border Patrol and the Edinburg Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the sentence of a Houston man to more than three years in federal prison Jan. 28 for stealing a vehicle that he later used in a failed alien smuggling scheme.

Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez, a 19-year-old Houston resident, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to 42 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release for carjacking. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the charges Sept. 23, 2024.

“Driven exclusively by greed, these two human smugglers conspired to undermine our nation’s immigration laws for their own profit, with a callous and reckless disregard for the lives they destroyed in the process,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “In addition to putting the lives of the aliens they smuggled in danger; they also traumatized the innocent individual whose vehicle they stole by gunpoint.”

Rodriguez and Christian Hardy arranged to steal a Ford Fiesta to carry out an alien smuggling scheme on May 19, 2024. The scheme began outside a convenience store in Edinburg, Texas, when both men approached a vehicle sitting in the parking lot. While Rodriguez spoke to the driver, Hardy climbed into the car. Rodriguez then brandished a gun and threatened the vehicle owner, demanding he get out. Once the drive got out of the car, Rodriguez got in and they drove away.

The following day, Rodriguez and Hardy approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint driving the stolen car. Authorities immediately discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen and referred them to secondary inspection. During inspection, law enforcement found two undocumented aliens in the trunk and a firearm in Rodriguez’ possession.

Hardy, an 18-year-old resident of Richmond, also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Rodriguez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.

For more news and information on HSI’s efforts to investigate human smuggling and other transnational criminal activity in Southeast Texas, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSIHouston.

Updated: 06/13/2025
March 3, 2025Brownsville, TX, United StatesNarcotics

Houston resident heads to prison for trafficking fentanyl in hidden compartment following ICE Rio Grande Valley, federal partner investigation

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A Houston woman was sentenced following her conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Alyssa Marie Maldonado, 40, was sentenced on Feb. 25 by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that detailed Maldonado’s culpability in the crime. In handing down the sentence, the court noted her connection to the smuggling through her actions to conceal the drugs within the vehicle. Maldonado pleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2024.

"Today's sentencing underscores the serious consequences of fentanyl trafficking. ICE is committed to holding those responsible for distributing this deadly drug accountable and to working with our partners to protect communities from its devastating effects,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa.

According to court documents, on March 24, 2024, Mendoza applied for entry into the United States at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Port of Entry. At initial inspection, she made a negative declaration to any contraband within the vehicle and provided false statements concerning her reasons for visiting Mexico. Authorities referred her to secondary inspection where a K-9 soon alerted to the rear back seat area. They then discovered anomalies in the fuel tank and found 22 packages which field tested positive for fentanyl. The combined weight was 8.70 kilograms.

Previously released on bond, Maldonado was taken into custody following the sentencing where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Blackmon from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Updated: 03/04/2025
October 21, 2025Tucson, AZ, United StatesChild Exploitation

HSI Arizona arrested man for alleged child sex trafficking and producing child sexual abuse material

ICE seeks public’s help in identifying victims who were sexually abused by Arizona youth group leader

TUCSON, Ariz. — ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested a Phoenix man employed as a youth group leader and director for multiple religious organizations Oct. 16 for federal charges of allegedly attempting to produce child pornography and possession of child sexual abuse material.

The arrest of Casey Goslin, 46, of Phoenix, stemmed from a joint HSI and Tucson Police Department investigation. The probe revealed Goslin’s involvement with a platform used to perform livestreamed child sexual abuse sessions and the production of child sexual abuse material with child victims provided by child sex traffickers in the Philippines, which led HSI special agents to conduct a federal search warrant. The seized items include numerous electronic devices.

Goslin operated online under the username “live:.cid.bbdbec6f18b26922” and “live:.cid.de5ca094f7bdd45.” Due to his online activity and employment as a youth group leader, authorities are seeking information that may help identify potential victims Goslin may have engaged or abused.

If your child, or a child you know, was in contact with Casey Goslin, please contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or through ICE’s online tip form, or contact your local law enforcement immediately regarding this arrest and news release.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. ICE works in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ICAC partners and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children. You can report suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 800-THE-LOST.

Updated: 10/31/2025
February 5, 2025Buffalo, NY, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking, Child Exploitation

HSI Buffalo investigation lands sentencing of New York woman who participated in sex trafficking conspiracy

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A New York woman was sentenced for her role in a sex trafficking conspiracy that exploited two teenagers following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo with local law enforcement partners.

Jasmin Osteen, 27, of Jamestown, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison, the U.S. District Court for the District of Western New York announced Feb. 4. She was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.

“It is appalling to discover two teenagers will suffer life-long trauma after being victimized by Jasmin Osteen’s heinous sex trafficking enterprise,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge. Erin Keegan. “No youth should have to endure the abuse these young ladies faced. We commend the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Jamestown Police Department for helping us shut this illicit business down. HSI Buffalo vows to end the violence against human trafficking victims caused by perverse individuals seeking pleasure or profit from them.”

According to the investigation, between August and October 2020, Osteen conspired with others to coerce two 17-year-old minors to engage in commercial sex acts. Osteen transported the minor victims to a hotel in Buffalo, where they were supplied with alcohol and drugs. Osteen then contacted various clients, who each engaged in commercial sex acts with minor victims. Osteen utilized Facebook to arrange for the commercial sex acts, and then received a majority of the proceeds.

Updated: 02/06/2025
Follow Us

@HSI_SanAntonio

January 22, 2025Del Rio, TX, United StatesHuman Smuggling/Trafficking

HSI Del Rio, federal partner investigation results in a Mexican national extradited to the US for involvement in an international human smuggling operation

DEL RIO, Texas — Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in the extradition of a human smuggler who allegedly participated in an international human smuggling conspiracy following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from our federal law enforcement partners.

Monica Hernandez-Palma, also known as Moni, 32, a Mexican national, was arrested in Mexico pursuant to a U.S. request for her extradition and surrendered by Mexico to U.S. authorities on Jan. 16 to face charges. Hernandez-Palma made her initial appearance Jan. 17 in federal court where an indictment against her was unsealed.

According to court documents, beginning in November 2020 and continuing through September 2023, Hernandez-Palma conspired with others to bring and attempt to bring migrants to the United States illegally for commercial advantage and private financial gain.

Hernandez-Palma is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring a migrant to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry and three counts of bringing a migrant to the United States without authorization and for purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors

Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Holly Pavlinski for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

The HSI San Antonio area of responsibility (AOR) covers more than 500 miles of border with three DSAC locations: Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and San Antonio. Combined, these offices respond to 22 ports of entry (18 land, 3 air and 1 sea), several railroad bridges/yards, seven U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints, and numerous state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies within the AOR.

HSI San Antonio continues to address the serious public safety threat posed by human smuggling organizations and their reckless disregard for the health and safety of the people they exploit. To report suspicious smuggling activity, you are urged to call 866-348-2423.

Learn more about HSI San Antonio’s mission to increase public safety in South Texas communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSI_SanAntonio.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated: 06/13/2025
January 30, 2025Del Rio, TX, United StatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives, Contraband

HSI Eagle Pass investigation results in Central Texas man charged for smuggling dozens of firearms into Mexico through Eagle Pass

DEL Rio, Texas — A Central Texas man was arrested in Eagle Pass on criminal charges related to his alleged smuggling of firearms from the United States into Mexico following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

According to court documents, Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda, 39, was attempting to leave the U.S. and enter Mexico at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on Jan. 19. He made a negative declaration regarding possession of weapons, ammunition, and currency. He was then referred to a secondary inspection. A criminal complaint alleges that CBP officers located 40 rifles, six shotguns, one pistol, 80 magazines, and two rifle scopes stored in two large duffel bags. Diego-Avellaneda allegedly claimed that he was being paid approximately $100 for each firearm he smuggled into Mexico, and that 11 of the firearms belonged to him.

Diego-Avellaneda is charged with one count of smuggling goods out of the United States. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Garland and Katherine Gorski from the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated: 02/06/2025
February 5, 2025El Paso, TX, United StatesNational Security

HSI El Paso announces arrests of violent criminal aliens in West Texas during targeted enforcement operation

EL PASO, Texas — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in partnership with U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, ATF, DEA, and the El Paso Sheriff’s Office, arrested several criminal aliens during targeted enforcement actions in West Texas that began during the week of Jan. 20.

Following are summaries of four individuals arrested during this targeted enforcement operation:

A 56-year-old Cuban male with criminal convictions ranging from sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, and evading arrest to DWI. He is being detained pending his removal from the United States.
A 62-year-old Mexican male who has been arrested seven times for driving while intoxicated is now being detained pending removal from the United States.
A 27-year-old Mexican male with a criminal conviction for possession of narcotics is now being detained pending removal from the United States.
A 32-year-old Mexican male with a criminal history ranging from illegal re-entry after deportation to human smuggling. He is now in federal custody pending charges for transporting illegal aliens.

"Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our communities. Through targeted enforcement operations, we focus on removing threats and ensuring public safety,” said HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “Our collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners is crucial in dismantling criminal organizations and protecting the well-being of our citizens. Together, we strive to create a safer environment for everyone."

This type of work is essential in keeping the community safe from criminals. By focusing on enforcement operations and working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners, we prevent criminal activities and protect individuals from harm. Ensuring the security of our neighborhoods is a top priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining a strong, unified front against crime.

Updated: 02/06/2025
Follow Us

@HSIHouston

January 27, 2025Houston, TX, United StatesChild Exploitation

HSI Houston, law enforcement partners apprehend 2 criminal alien fugitives wanted for child sex offenses, other violent crimes

HOUSTON — Two criminal alien fugitives who have been on the run for the past three years and are wanted for child sex offenses and other violent crimes in Southeast Texas were apprehended Jan. 24 by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Jorge Dionicio Hernandez, a 33-year-old criminal alien from Mexico who has illegally entered the U.S. at least four times, and Omar David Zavala, a 30-year-old previously removed criminal alien from El Salvador and documented MS-13 gang member, were arrested Jan. 24 by authorities in Houston and Mesquite, respectively.

“For far too long, violent criminal aliens and transnational gang members like these two individuals, have reigned terror on the hardworking and law-abiding residents of Southeast Texas,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Working together with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners and using the latest technologies available, we were able to root out these two criminal alien fugitives who are wanted for child sex offenses and safely remove them from the community, putting an end to the fear and lawlessness that they’ve spread.”

Dionicio, who has evaded authorities since January 2022 and has two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated, is currently wanted in Harris County, Texas, for allegedly committing indecency with a child by sexual contact. He has illegally entered the U.S. at least four times and was previously removed to Mexico by U.S. immigration officials on July 10, 2009, Sept. 21, 2009, and Sept. 25, 2009.

Zavala, who has also been on the run since 2022, is currently wanted in Harris County for sexual assault of a child, making terroristic threats and obstruction. Zavala has illegally entered the U.S. at least twice and was previously removed to Mexico by deportation officers from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Feb. 25, 2015. The Texas Anti-Gang Center, the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Fugitive and Violent Offenders Task Force, the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, and the Dallas Police Department Drone Unit assisted in his apprehension.

For more news and information on HSI’s efforts to investigate child exploitation, transnational gangs, and other violent transnational criminal activity in Southeast Texas follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSIHouston.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated: 06/13/2025
Related Information

Project Red Hook

Follow Us

@HSINewEngland

January 23, 2025Concord, NH, United StatesFinancial Crimes

HSI investigation leads to guilty pleas for Chinese nationals in fraudulent gift card conspiracy

CONCORD, N.H. — Three Chinese nationals pleaded guilty Jan. 14 for their roles in a large-scale fraud conspiracy based in China after their activity was uncovered during a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) probe.

Naxin Wu, 26, Mengying Jiang, 34, and Mingdong Chen, 28, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled Wu’s sentencing for April 8, 2025 and Jiang’s sentencing for April 22, 2025. Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled Chen’s sentencing for April 11, 2025.

According to HSI’s investigation, organized criminal elements in China acquire gift cards through multiple fraudulent means. For example, gift cards are obtained by hacking U.S. companies, and targeting U.S. citizens through romance and elder fraud schemes. The criminal elements then send the gift card data to multiple cells of Chinese nationals operating in the United States through a Chinese-based messaging platform.

Once U.S.-based cells receive the gift card data, they then spend the gift cards to purchase high-value electronics, principally Apple products. After purchasing the Apple products, cell members consolidate the electronics in warehouses for shipment to China, Hong Kong, or countries in Southeast Asia. The cells primarily operate in states with no sales tax, such as New Hampshire, to maximize their profits.

Wu, Jiang, and Chen are members of one cell in New Hampshire. Wu and Jiang purchased fraudulent gift cards at a discount from their face value. They then either personally used the cards or disseminated them to others, including Chen, to use. Wu was responsible for $1.4 million, Jiang for $3 million, and Chen for $400,000 of fraudulent gift cards.

The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

HSI New England’s Manchester Resident Agent in Charge office, Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Concord Police Department led the investigation. The Merrimack County Attorney’s Office has provided valuable assistance.

Gift card fraud has become a growing concern for consumers and businesses alike. Under Project Red Hook, HSI is teaming up with our law enforcement partners and businesses to raise awareness of how Chinese organized crime groups are exploiting gift cards to launder money.

Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSINewEngland to learn more about HSI’s global missions and operations.

Updated: 06/13/2025
Follow Us

@HSIKansasCity

August 25, 2025Kansas City, MO, United StatesPartnership and Engagement

HSI Kansas City hosts young European leaders from 15 nations to share strategies for combating transnational crime and illegal immigration

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City welcomed an international delegation of young European leaders as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, in partnership with Global Ties KC. The visit brought together rising political leaders, policy advisors and influencers from across Europe for an in-depth discussion on HSI’s role in combating transnational crime with a focus on immigration policy and countering illegal immigration.

Delegates gathered at HSI Kansas City for a detailed briefing on how the agency works to dismantle criminal networks involved in human smuggling, trafficking and other forms of transnational crime. The group also learned about innovative investigative strategies, interagency collaboration and the critical role of U.S. law enforcement in developing effective policy solutions.

“This meeting was an important opportunity to share our experiences and strategies with the next generation of European leaders,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “By fostering these international conversations, we strengthen the global fight against transnational crime and illegal immigration. We are proud to highlight the exceptional work being done right here in the Heartland to protect our communities and uphold the law.”

The delegation — representing more than 15 European nations — is visiting the United States to explore current U.S. social, political and economic issues. Their professional objectives include examining U.S. domestic and foreign policy, understanding homeland security operations, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration to address shared challenges. Their local program in Kansas City is being implemented by Global Ties KC.

HSI Kansas City remains committed to building strong international partnerships and will continue to work with global counterparts to protect both national and international security through innovation, education, and cooperation.

Learn more about HSI’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @HSIKansasCity.

Updated: 08/25/2025