Thirteen people are facing federal charges in an investigation into an alleged scheme to transport stolen vehicles from across the United States into Mexico for use by criminal organizations, federal officials announced Monday.
The investigation, called Operation Southbound Takedown, began in spring 2026 after federal agents and prosecutors identified a pattern of privately owned and rental vehicles allegedly being stolen, driven to El Paso and transported across the border to individuals associated with Mexican cartels.
Investigators have recovered 29 vehicles valued at approximately $1.137 million as part of the investigation, according to federal officials.
Authorities allege the vehicles were used to support the day-to-day operations of criminal organizations in Mexico, including groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.
“These are not isolated property crimes,” said Ryan G. McRae, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso. “The stolen vehicles related to Operation Southbound Takedown demonstrate an alarming pattern and are used to support the day-to-day operations of dangerous criminal organizations.”
Federal officials said the defendants were indicted and arrested between March and Oct. 19, with the charges involving an alleged vehicle-theft and transportation network operating across the U.S. and Mexico.
One defendant, U.S. citizen Kimberly Aguilar, was indicted March 25 and is in state custody. U.S. citizen Marty Gerardo Jr., indicted July 22, is also in state custody.
Eleven additional defendants were federally indicted and arrested between July 22 and Oct. 19.
The nine U.S. citizens among those 11 are:
The two Mexican citizens charged are Pablo Frias, who holds a Legal Permanent Resident Card, and Pilar Bernabeth Mendez Rivas, who holds a Border Crossing Card.
All 13 defendants are charged with interstate transportation of stolen property.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas said the investigation is intended to disrupt criminal networks that allegedly use stolen vehicles to expand their operations.
Simmons warned that people who transport stolen vehicles into Mexico could face federal prosecution, even if they believe they are simply making money by helping someone else.
Authorities said the criminal organizations allegedly supported by the vehicle network are involved in activities including human smuggling, extortion, drug trafficking and murder.
The investigation involved federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, along with private-sector partners, under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative.
Participating agencies included Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the El Paso Police Department.
FBI El Paso officials said the investigation highlights the role of coordination between law enforcement agencies and private companies in identifying and disrupting criminal activity.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison if convicted of interstate transportation of stolen property.
A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston and Andres Ortega for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
Federal officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
