New details surface about ropa usada raid

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — New details surfaced Wednesday about why federal agents raided a ropa usada warehouse in McAllen.

Homeland Security Investigations detained about 70 people on Oct. 2, when agents raided JEM Textil Recycling in McAllen.

Mario Godinez, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, testified about the raid during a probable cause hearing on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m the case agent,” Godinez said.

The investigation started in June, when a federal informant called Jonathan Mendoza Martinez, who co-owns JEM Textil Recycling.

During the conversation, the informant said he knew someone who needed a job, Godinez said, but the person had no documents and needed to be paid in cash.

Jonathan said he would see if JEM Textile Recycling had a job for the person, Godinez said.

In July, another informant called Jonathan’s sister, Jenith Mendoza Martinez.

During the conversation, Jenith mentioned that JEM Textil Recycling needed more workers, Godinez said, but people couldn’t get past “immigration.”

The informant said he knew people, Godinez said, and Jenith suggested they apply.

After the second conversation, an informant showed up at JEM Textil Recycling.

The company, which buys and sells used clothing, is located in a large warehouse on South 23rd Street.

Several businesses use the 80,000-square-foot building, which is located in an industrial area just minutes from the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge, according to Hidalgo County Appraisal District records.

At the warehouse, the informant met with Veronica Aleman Ramirez, 55, of Donna.

Aleman managed the business, Godinez said, and hired workers for Jonathan and Jenith.

“He did not present any documentation,” Godinez said, and Aleman didn’t ask for any.

Aleman agreed to pay the informant $350 per week, Godinez said, and the informant signed a letter acknowledging the company’s rules.

The informant also recorded conversations with four employees.

During the conversations, the informant said he was concerned that JEM Textil Recycling wouldn’t pay him, Godinez said, because he didn’t have any papers.

The employees said not to worry, Godinez said, because they didn’t have papers either.

Homeland Security Investigations, which is part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, executed a search warrant at JEM Texil Recycling on Oct. 2.

Agents detained about 70 people, Godinez said, adding that 98% or 99% lacked permission to work in the United States.

Homeland Security Investigations charged Jonathan, Jenith and Aleman with participating in a conspiracy to encourage or induce people who aren’t citizens to come to, enter, or reside in the United States.

Jonathan co-owns JEM Textil Recycling, according to documents filed with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. His sister, Jenith, helped run the business and supervise the employees.

“She was aware of who was hiring them,” Godinez said. “And who was getting hired.”

Jonathan and Jenith are Mexican citizens who entered the United States using border crossing cards, Godinez said. While they had permission to cross the border, the cards didn’t allow Jonathan or Jenith to work in the United States.

Aleman, who managed the business, is a Mexican citizen who obtained a green card in October 2024.

“And all of them knew these people were illegal,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Lyles, who is prosecuting the case.

Jonathan and Jenith waived bond hearings on Wednesday afternoon. U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis set bond for Aleman at $50,000 with a $1,000 cash deposit.

If convicted, they face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison.