A Mexican national and a Roma teenager are facing federal charges in connection with a human smuggling attempt that tragically led to the deaths of two individuals, including a 14-year-old child, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced on April 1, 2025.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Vicente Garcia Jr., 18, from Roma, Texas, was arrested and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker on April 2. Garcia is facing charges related to his involvement in the smuggling attempt, which resulted in the deaths of two people when the vehicle carrying them crashed into a canal.
The office also reported that 26-year-old Jose Alexis Baeza-Combaluzier, a Mexican national residing in McAllen, Texas, was already in custody and appeared in court on March 31, 2025. Baeza-Combaluzier faces charges for his role in the incident, in which law enforcement observed a suspected human smuggling operation in progress on March 28, 2025.
The criminal complaint alleges that Garcia was transporting a noncitizen and intended to transfer the individual to Baeza-Combaluzier. Baeza-Combaluzier, according to the complaint, was driving with four additional noncitizens when he encountered a flooded road. The situation escalated when Baeza-Combaluzier allegedly tried to evade authorities by driving through the high water, which led to the vehicle crashing into a canal.
Emergency responders immediately entered the canal to rescue the individuals. However, two people, including the 14-year-old child, drowned during the incident.
If convicted, both Baeza-Combaluzier and Garcia face up to life in prison, a potential death sentence, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
A criminal complaint serves as a formal accusation and does not represent evidence of guilt. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
