Melgar Edmilson Pelico-Guox/Guatemala/Alien Smuggling

Melgar Edmilson Pelico-Guox, a 31-year-old citizen of Guatemala and an illegal alien in the United States, was arrested by ICE San Antonio officers following his recent criminal conviction. Pelico-Guox was found guilty of alien smuggling on April 2, 2024, a federal offense that involved knowingly transporting individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. for financial gain. This conviction carries serious immigration consequences and classifies as an aggravated felony under federal law, making him subject to removal.

According to court documents, Pelico-Guox was apprehended in Texas during a traffic stop while transporting multiple illegal aliens. Evidence revealed that he was part of a larger smuggling operation facilitating illegal entry into the country. Following his conviction, Pelico-Guox served a brief sentence and was transferred directly to ICE custody.

Further investigation determined that Pelico-Guox had no legal status in the United States and had entered the country illegally without inspection. ICE initiated removal proceedings against him, and a Notice to Appear was issued for his case to be presented before an immigration judge. Due to the nature of his conviction, he is ineligible for most forms of immigration relief.

Pelico-Guox is currently being held at an ICE detention facility in Texas and will remain in custody throughout the duration of his immigration case. His conviction for alien smuggling will be a central factor in the proceedings, which are expected to result in a formal removal order and deportation to Guatemala.