When the federal government comes after you for immigration offenses, they don’t play nice. In Texas, where the border is a hyper-politicized battleground, federal prosecutors are aggressive. They routinely twist everyday situations, family assistance, or administrative errors into serious felony charges like document fraud or alien smuggling.
If you or a loved one is facing these allegations, you need to understand exactly what you are up against—and how to fight back.
The Reality of Document Fraud: Form I-9, Visas, and Green Cards
Federal law takes a zero-tolerance approach to what they deem "immigration fraud." Under federal statutes, it is a crime to knowingly forge, counterfeit, alter, or use documents to evade immigration laws or secure employment.
The most common scenarios we see involve:
Fake Green Cards and Visas: Presenting altered or completely fabricated permanent resident cards or entry visas.
Form I-9 Violations: Using someone else’s Social Security number or Alien Registration number on employment verification forms.
Identity Theft: Utilizing a real person's identification data to obtain immigration benefits.
The government treats these not as minor paperwork slip-ups, but as major crimes that carry severe prison time and permanent deportation consequences. However, prosecutors must prove intent. If you didn't know a document was fraudulent, or if there was a misunderstanding, the government's case begins to fracture.
The Traps of Alien Smuggling Charges
Many Texas residents are shocked to find themselves charged with "alien smuggling" (8 U.S.C. § 1324) when they were simply helping a family member or driving a friend. The law defines smuggling incredibly broadly. It doesn't just mean sneaking someone across the Rio Grande in the dead of night.
You can be charged with alien smuggling for:
Transporting: Driving an undocumented individual within the state of Texas, even if you had nothing to do with their crossing.
Harboring: Providing housing, a place to hide, or employment to someone you know who enters or remains in the U.S. unlawfully.
Encouraging/Inducing: Helping a relative plan their journey or sending money to facilitate their travel.
The feds look for patterns, text messages, and cash trails to claim you were part of a criminal conspiracy. But a fierce defense looks at the facts: Did you actually know the person's status? Was your intent truly to break the law, or were you just acting out of human decency? The government has the burden of proof, and we hold them to it.
Defending Your Freedom and Your Future
An arrest is not a conviction. Federal agencies like ICE, HSI, and Border Patrol make mistakes. They overreach, rely on unreliable informants, and conduct unlawful stops and searches that violate your Constitutional rights.
When your freedom, your family, and your right to stay in this country are on the line, you cannot rely on an attorney who just wants to roll over and take a quick plea deal. Altgelt Law Office, P.C. provides the relentless, battle-tested representation you need. We know how to dismantle the prosecution's case piece by piece. Do not face the federal government alone.
Contact us today at (956) 695-7425 to put an experienced, trustworthy defender in your corner and fight these charges head-on.