Ex-Texas National Guard member convicted of conspiring to smuggle migrants into US

A former member of the Texas National Guard was convicted of smuggling illegal migrants into the U.S. 

Mario Sandoval, 27, was found guilty Thursday of conspiring to smuggle illegal migrants into the U.S., according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Sandoval, a resident of Houston, was sent with the National Guard to participate in Operation Lonestar, a border security initiative started by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2021. 

After being released from his orders, he stayed in the Rio Grande Valley and smuggled illegal migrants into the country. 

“The conduct in this case represents an unthinkable violation of public trust,” U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said. “Thousands of brave men and women, military and civilian alike, work tirelessly to keep our border secure. It is truly disheartening that one bad apple chose to betray his fellow soldiers, his fellow citizens, and his country by engaging in human smuggling. I wish to thank the jury for their time and attention to this matter.”

Sandoval was discharged from the National Guard in 2024 and will be sentenced this year in October. 

He faces 10 years in federal prison.