Julio Cesar Garcia and Juan Carlos Garcia, brothers from Chiapas, Mexico, were sentenced following their 2023 conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to an April 10 announcement by D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking and related criminal activity involving individuals unlawfully present in the United States. The Garcias were found guilty after a four-day trial in February 2023.
Investigators learned that Julio Cesar Garcia coordinated narcotics transactions from inside the Bureau of Prisons Great Plains Correctional Institution in Hinton, Oklahoma. He used a contraband phone to arrange methamphetamine deliveries while his brother accepted payments. Both parcels seized during the investigation contained significant quantities of methamphetamine—one kilogram and one-and-a-half kilograms—originating from California.
Juan Carlos Garcia was sentenced on December 18, 2023, to over fifteen years’ incarceration and ordered not to unlawfully re-enter the country; his conviction was upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on December 6, 2024. Julio Cesar Garcia received a sentence of twenty-five years on March 31, 2026; this is consecutive to his previous ten-year sentence for a prior drug conviction. Both men are subject to removal due to their immigration status and convictions.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation but also threaten the safety of our communities. Distribution of illegal narcotics is NOT a victimless crime. This case demonstrates our focus on those dangerous criminal aliens who continue to violate our laws after illegal entry by distributing poisonous drugs that cause addiction, injury, and death.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson said: “Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in its mission to protect communities from the harm caused by drug trafficking and criminal organizations…HSI will continue to pursue those who endanger public safety and uphold the rule of law.” Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins added: “This case exemplifies the spirit of collaboration we share with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners…Let these prison sentences serve as a reminder that using the mail to traffic narcotics will be met with serious consequences.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), among others.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established under Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion.
