LAREDO, Texas — Two South Texas gang members affiliated with the notorious “Puro Tango Blast” gang have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a human smuggling, operation that led to dangerous high-speed chases near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Juan Miguel Regalado, 28, and Samuel Grajeda Jr., 21, were convicted of conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants after a multi-agency investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementt (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
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On May 15, 2025, U.S. District Judge John Kazen sentenced Regalado to 66 months in federal prison. Grajeda was previously sentenced to 30 months, plus an additional six months for violating supervised release related to a prior conviction for alien transporting. Both men will serve three years of supervised release following their prison terms.
The charges stem from incidents beginning on April 20, 2024, when Regalado led officers on a high-speed chase after picking up suspected undocumented migrants in a green Tahoe near the border north of Laredo. The chase reached speeds of up to 100 mph and ended when Regalado crashed the vehicle into the Rio Grande and swam to Mexico to escape.
Months later, in November 2024, authorities tracked another smuggling attempt involving both gang members. After surveillance of a white Ford Taurus believed to be involved in smuggling, a black Mercedes—driven by Regalado—intervened to block law enforcement. A pursuit ensued, during which Grajeda crashed into a civilian vehicle. Both men and four undocumented immigrants were later found near the abandoned Taurus in north Laredo.
Craig Larrabee, Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio, condemned the gang’s actions:
“Tango Blast gang members put countless lives at risk during these reckless pursuits. These sentences reflect the serious consequences awaiting those who engage in human smuggling and endanger public safety.”
Both men remain in custody.
