Laredo man admits to smuggling toddler from Mexico into South Texas

LAREDO, Texas – A 27-year-old man has pleaded guilty for attempting to transport a two-year-old child from Mexico further into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Julio Chavez-Olan admitted to making an agreement with another person to transport the girl in exchange for financial gain.

On Nov. 23, 2023, Chavez-Olan arrived at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo driving a grey Honda sedan with a two-year-old child in the backseat. He attempted to enter the United States by claiming the girl was his own daughter and presented law enforcement with her birth certificate.

Upon primary inspection, Chavez-Olan showed family photographs to authorities, claiming the photos included the child in the backseat.

Law enforcement then referred Chavez-Olan to secondary inspection where further investigation determined the photographs did not depict the two-year-old girl and were instead of his daughter and niece.

The investigation also revealed the minor was not related to Chavez-Olan and was not accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or family member during the smuggling attempt.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing July 16. At that time, Chavez-Olan faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Chavez-Olan was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Terence Andrew Check Jr. is prosecuting the case.