Mexican National Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Alien Smuggling and Assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol Agent

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

TUCSON, Ariz. – Efrain Pacheco-Ovalles, 30, of Culiacan, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced on Jan. 29, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Angela M. Martinez to 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Pacheco-Ovalles pleaded guilty to assault of a federal officer and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain.