Federal Jury Convicts Illegal Alien for Multiple Counts of Cocaine Trafficking

DEL RIO, Texas - A federal jury in Del Rio convicted a Mexican national on four counts of trafficking cocaine into the U.S. from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 16, 2025, Eli Alejandro Hernandez Ledezma, 25, of Piedras Negras, was referred to secondary inspection at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered approximately eight kgs of cocaine in an aftermarket compartment in Ledezma's vehicle. Testimony during the trial revealed Ledezma was in contact with an unindicted coconspirator who offered him "fast money" if he had a valid visa. Additionally, testimony and evidence in the trial noted Ledezma shared his GPS location with an unindicted coconspirator before he approached the Eagle Pass POE.

In a trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez, a federal jury found Hernandez Ledezma guilty of one count of conspiracy to posses with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of conspiracy to import cocaine, and one count of importation of cocaine. Each count carries a penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison and up to a $10 million fine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations and CBP investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Warsame Galaydh, Nallely Duarte and William Golden are prosecuting the case.

This case is 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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