Arizona Sees Major Immigration Enforcement Action

During a week-long enforcement operation from October 3 to October 9, 2026, the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona charged 345 individuals with immigration-related criminal conduct.

The charges include 151 cases of illegal re-entry into the United States and 172 cases of illegal entry, according to the U. S. Attorney's Office.

In addition to these charges, 21 cases were filed against 22 individuals accused of smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. These efforts are part of an ongoing initiative to deter unlawful immigration, supported by federal law enforcement partners such as U. S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U. S. Border Patrol, and other agencies.

Notable Cases

Among the charged individuals is Christina Favela-Favela, who faces a criminal complaint for Transportation of an Illegal Alien. On October 4, 2026, Favela attempted to enter the United States through the San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry with her three children. Her vehicle was referred to secondary inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, who discovered a male passenger hiding in the cargo area.

The male was determined to be an illegal alien without legal authority to be in the United States. This incident followed a previous attempt by Favela on July 7, 2026, to cross into the U. S.

at the Lukeville, Arizona Port of Entry with a concealed male alien.

Another significant case involves Luis Angel Diaz-Jimenez, charged with Transportation of an Illegal Alien for Profit. On October 2, 2026, Border Patrol Agents attempted to stop Diaz-Jimenez's vehicle, a Dodge Charger, for an immigration inspection. Instead of stopping, Diaz-Jimenez accelerated to speeds of approximately 100 mph before leaving the roadway and stopping in the desert.

Diaz-Jimenez and two passengers, who were later identified as Mexican citizens unlawfully present in the U. S. , attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by agents.

Legal Proceedings

These cases are being processed in the District of Arizona, with each defendant facing formal accusations of criminal conduct. It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona continues to collaborate with various federal agencies to address and reduce illegal immigration and related criminal activities in the region.