LAREDO, Texas — A Mexican national residing in Austin has been charged in connection with a failed attempt to smuggle an 8-year-old child into the United States, according to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Nanzy Rodriguez-Sanchez has made her initial appearance in Laredo federal court and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing on May 7. Co-conspirators Jesus Luciano, 34, of Austin, and Maribel Jaimes-Hernandez, 27, also a Mexican national, were previously charged for their roles in the scheme.
The charges allege that all three participated in a plan to smuggle Rodriguez-Sanchez’s minor child into the United States. On October 2, 2025, Luciano allegedly attempted to bring the child into the country by bus in exchange for $5,000. According to the allegations, Luciano was a stranger to the child.
The complaint further alleges that Luciano provided a birth certificate and claimed the child as his own, but authorities later determined the document belonged to another child. Jaimes-Hernandez allegedly provided the birth certificate in exchange for $1,000 to facilitate the smuggling attempt.
If convicted, Rodriguez-Sanchez and Jaimes-Hernandez face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Luciano, who previously pleaded guilty, could also receive up to 10 years.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manuel A. Cardenas Jr. is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint or indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.