Local man sentenced for smuggling illegal aliens in disguised fishing trip

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 47-year-old Corpus Christi man has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to smuggle two illegal aliens through the Intracoastal Waterway, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Christopher Henson pleaded guilty Sept. 29, 2025.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Henson to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Henson's prior smuggling conduct and possession of a firearm on two occasions despite being a felon.

The investigation revealed Henson used his boat to bypass interior Border Patrol checkpoints while transporting illegal aliens along coastal waters. He posed trips as fishing excursions, sailing south to pick up illegal aliens at Port Mansfield, then traveling north to dock at locations beyond the checkpoints.

On March 30, 2025, authorities were conducting surveillance in an area known as a drop-off point for illegal aliens transported along coastal waterways. They observed Henson preparing to dock his boat.

As law enforcement approached, Henson jumped into the water and attempted to flee. Authorities soon took him into custody and discovered a firearm in his jacket.

A search of the vessel revealed two illegal aliens who had traveled north with Henson from Port Mansfield.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

U.S. Coast Guard, BP, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lamont prosecuted the case.