DALLAS – A 31-year-old Dallas woman has been charged with smuggling two 9-year-old twins into the United States from Mexico, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Incident Details
According to federal court documents, Jovanna Netzay Diaz arrived at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Laredo on October 26, 2024. During an initial inspection, authorities reportedly noticed movement beneath a blanket between the second and third rows of the vehicle.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement officers discovered one child concealed under the blanket and another hidden on the floorboard of the front passenger seat. The minors, identified as twin siblings and Mexican nationals, had no known familial connection to Diaz.
Federal court filings do not specify whether Diaz was taken into custody at the time of the incident or provide details regarding the children’s immediate welfare.
Legal Proceedings
An arrest warrant for Diaz was issued on February 19 and executed on February 27 in Irving, Texas. Federal authorities confirmed her arrest, though Dallas County officials stated that a mugshot was not available.
Indictment and Potential Penalties
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Diaz on February 19, which was unsealed following her arrest. She has been charged with:
- Conspiracy to transport undocumented minors
- Attempting to transport undocumented minors
- Transporting undocumented minors for financial gain
If convicted, Diaz faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Upcoming Court Appearances
Diaz is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver in Dallas for a detention hearing on March 5 at 10 a.m. Following this hearing, she is expected to appear before a federal court in Laredo.