Three U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Cavazos in Texas are facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in a human smuggling operation. Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma, and Enrique Jauregui are accused of transporting undocumented individuals from Mexico and Guatemala. Palma and Jauregui also face charges related to assaulting a federal agent, as one soldier allegedly struck a Border Patrol vehicle while attempting to flee, injuring an agent.
These soldiers, assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, were stopped by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Presidio, Texas, but fled the scene, leading to a chase that ended with the apprehension of four individuals, including Mendoza Lopez, Palma, and Jauregui. Palma fled on foot but was found at a hotel the next day. Jauregui is accused of being the recruiter and facilitator of the alleged smuggling conspiracy.
Mendoza Lopez has appeared in court, while hearings for Palma and Jauregui are scheduled for December 6 in Waco, Texas. Fort Cavazos, where the soldiers are stationed, had nearly 60,000 employees in 2023, with a significant military presence and support for multiple units and a corps headquarters. The base covers a total of 340 square miles and is located about 480 miles southwest of Killeen on the U.S.-Mexico border. The Army post is cooperating with law enforcement agencies in the investigation.
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