Human smugglers who led 100 mph border chases sentenced to prison
Two South Texas gang members, Juan Miguel Regalado, 28, and Samuel Grajeda Jr., 21, have been sentenced for human smuggling after a series of high-speed chases at the border. These individuals are members of the local Texas gang known as “Puro Tango Blast.”
The sentencing took place on May 15, following an investigation by ICE, U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. U.S. District Judge John Kazen imposed a 66-month sentence for Regalado and a 30-month imprisonment for Grajeda, with an additional six months for violating the terms of his supervised release. Both individuals are also required to serve three years of supervised release.
Regalado and Grajeda admitted to their involvement in the human smuggling conspiracy. The investigation began on April 20, 2024, when a group of suspected illegal aliens entered a green Tahoe just north of Laredo, Texas. Regalado was driving the vehicle and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase, during which multiple individuals jumped out of the vehicle.
Driving at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, Regalado crashed the Tahoe into the Rio Grande and escaped by swimming across the river to Mexico. Over the next several months, authorities continued to monitor the area. In November 2024, another group of illegal aliens entered a white Ford Taurus parked in the area. Grajeda and Regalado were later identified as the drivers of the Taurus and a black Mercedes, respectively.
A traffic stop of the Ford Taurus led to another vehicle pursuit, during which Grajeda crashed into a bystander’s vehicle. The Ford Taurus was eventually found abandoned in a north Laredo neighborhood, where four illegal aliens and Grajeda and Regalado were discovered nearby.
Both gang members are currently in custody. ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge, Craig Larrabee, emphasized the serious consequences awaiting those who engage in human smuggling and endanger public safety. He stated that “Tango Blast gang members put countless lives at risk during these reckless pursuits” and that collaborative efforts with federal and state law enforcement partners are crucial in dismantling violent criminal organizations and ensuring community safety.
In conclusion, the sentencing of these two gang members serves as a reminder of the dangers and consequences associated with human smuggling activities. Collaboration among law enforcement agencies plays a vital role in combating such criminal activities and protecting communities from harm.
