El Paso Standard

An individual residing illegally in the United States has been sentenced for cocaine trafficking following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Rio Grande Valley Office. Jorge Alberto Galindo-Vargas, 44, who was living in Mission, Texas, received a sentence of 210 months in federal prison on February 20. This will be followed by five years of supervised release.

During the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane addressed Galindo-Vargas's past involvement with drug trafficking, stating: "Unfortunately, you’re in the cocaine business again, and that’s going to cost you another chunk of your life." Galindo-Vargas had pleaded guilty to the charges on June 28, 2024.

Mark Lippa, Deputy Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley, commented on the case: “The sentencing of this individual underscores our unwavering commitment to combatting drug trafficking and securing our borders.” He emphasized the dedication of law enforcement agents in bringing those engaged in illegal activities to justice.

Court documents revealed that authorities discovered 12 kilograms of cocaine during a traffic stop on November 1, 2023. The drugs were found inside an ice chest within the vehicle.

Galindo-Vargas is currently held in custody as he awaits transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr., Lance Watt, and Brittany Jensen from the Southern District of Texas.

The public is encouraged to report any crimes or suspicious activities through the ICE Tip Line or via their online tip form. Additional information about ICE HSI's efforts to enhance public safety can be found on X @HSI_SanAntonio.