Mexican National Convicted of Money Laundering in Nacogdoches County
Federal authorities have highlighted the conviction of a Mexican national in East Texas as part of a broader public safety awareness initiative. Diego Carranza-Analco was convicted of money laundering in Nacogdoches County, Texas, according to a recent update from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The announcement was made via the DHS “Witness the Outrage and Witness the Work” (WOW) portal, a recently launched platform designed to publicize the arrests and convictions of non-citizens present in the United States illegally who have committed criminal offenses. Officials identified Carranza-Analco as a “criminal illegal alien” in their release, noting his inclusion among a list of individuals apprehended for various felonies across the country.
Background information on money laundering statutes in Texas indicates that such offenses typically involve knowingly concealing the proceeds of criminal activity. Under the Texas Penal Code, money laundering can range from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony, depending on the value of the funds involved. While the specific financial amounts or the timeline of Carranza-Analco’s original arrest and trial were not detailed in the brief federal summary, Nacogdoches County serves as a jurisdiction where state and local law enforcement frequently intercept illicit transit due to its location along major corridors connecting to the border region.
The release of this information comes amidst a contentious national debate regarding cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement. In the statement accompanying the list of arrests, DHS officials criticized “sanctuary” policies, arguing that they endanger communities by releasing offenders back to the public. Conversely, critics of such public shaming initiatives often argue that they can politicize routine law enforcement data and may not provide a complete picture of the judicial process, including appeals or specific defense arguments presented in court. As of this report, no statement from legal counsel representing Carranza-Analco has been made available regarding the conviction.
dhs.gov
