Federal officials say a routine stop at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Texas escalated into a dangerous encounter that ended with prison time. Court records show that on August 1, 2023, Kevin Dominguez, 26, arrived at a checkpoint on U.S. Highway 57 near the Texas–Mexico border. During a standard inspection by U.S. Border Patrol, agents noticed movement in the trunk area of his vehicle, prompting a closer look.
According to prosecutors, a trained canine alerted to the presence of a hidden passenger. When agents directed Dominguez to secondary inspection and opened the trunk, they found an undocumented individual concealed inside. Instead of following commands, Dominguez abruptly reversed his car in an attempt to flee, striking a Border Patrol agent in the process and rapidly intensifying the situation.
Dominguez escaped the checkpoint but was later located and arrested. Investigators said his actions put both the agent and the person hidden in the trunk at risk. The injured agent received medical care, and authorities compiled video evidence and witness statements that were later presented in federal court. Dominguez ultimately pleaded guilty to charges including assaulting a federal officer and unlawfully transporting an individual.
At sentencing, federal officials underscored the seriousness of using a vehicle to evade law enforcement and cause injury. The court imposed an 18-month federal prison sentence, citing the danger posed during the incident and the need for deterrence. Authorities also confirmed that, after completing his prison term, Dominguez will serve a period of supervised release as ordered by the court.