Mark Anthony Holguin, 28, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison on January 16, 2025, for his role in a multi-year alien smuggling conspiracy. From April 2021 to November 2023, Holguin supervised a criminal organization that transported numerous illegal aliens from Mexico into the United States through El Paso, Texas, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
The investigation, conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), uncovered a significant operation responsible for smuggling individuals across the border. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza emphasized the need to hold those involved in human smuggling accountable, stating, “We will prosecute and dismantle these organizations.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens added, "This case is a reminder that these criminal actions will not go unnoticed or undetected." Holguin's sentencing comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat alien smuggling in the region. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Holderfield handled the prosecution.