Texas National Guardsman Arrested for Alleged Migrant Smuggling

Bodycam footage obtained by Fox News shows a Texas National Guardsman being arrested for allegedly smuggling an illegal immigrant.

Austin, Texas – A Texas National Guardsman has been arrested for allegedly smuggling an illegal immigrant, according to bodycam footage obtained by Fox News.

The incident occurred on Sunday, January 15, 2023, when officers from the Kerr County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle near the Mexican border.

Texas National Guardsman Arrested for Alleged Migrant Smuggling

Upon arrival, officers located a silver sedan with three occupants inside. The driver, identified as 32-year-old Jose Luis Bravo-Sanchez, a Texas National Guardsman, was allegedly in possession of a firearm and a large amount of cash.

The other two occupants, identified as 22-year-old Jose Juan Hernandez-Garcia and 26-year-old Maria Guadalupe Cortez-Villanueva, were both illegal immigrants from Mexico.

Texas National Guardsman Arrested for Alleged Migrant Smuggling

According to the arrest affidavit, Bravo-Sanchez initially denied any wrongdoing but later confessed to smuggling Hernandez-Garcia and Cortez-Villanueva into the United States.

Bravo-Sanchez was charged with human smuggling, possession of a firearm by an alien, and possession of a controlled substance. Hernandez-Garcia and Cortez-Villanueva were charged with illegal entry.

Texas National Guardsman Arrested for Alleged Migrant Smuggling

The incident has sparked outrage among law enforcement officials and Texas National Guard leaders.

"This is a serious betrayal of trust," said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. "This individual was sworn to protect our country, but instead, he chose to break the law and put innocent lives at risk."

Texas National Guardsman Arrested for Alleged Migrant Smuggling

Texas National Guard Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer released a statement condemning the alleged actions of Bravo-Sanchez.

"The Texas National Guard has zero tolerance for this type of behavior," said Suelzer. "We will fully cooperate with the authorities and take appropriate disciplinary action."

Bravo-Sanchez is currently being held in the Kerr County Jail awaiting his next court appearance.

The investigation is ongoing, and it is possible that additional charges may be filed.