Following an HSI investigation, two Venezuelan nationals were sentenced to 12 and 20 years in prison after being convicted in the Western District of Texas
Two Venezuelan nationals have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for child sex trafficking following an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security announced.
According to DHS, Giannys Alexandra Ramirez-Fernandez and Nelson Adrian Perez-Martinez were sentenced June 23, 2026, in the Western District of Texas after being found guilty of conspiracy to traffic a child and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The agency said Perez-Martinez was also convicted of benefitting from the sex trafficking of children and aiding and abetting coercion and enticement.
DHS said Ramirez-Fernandez was sentenced to 150 months — about 12 and a half years — in prison, while Perez-Martinez received 241 months, or 20 years.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said the two were convicted of child sex trafficking and credited ICE, partner agencies, and state and local law enforcement with the outcome. Bis also attributed one defendant’s presence in the country to the prior administration’s immigration policies.
According to DHS, Perez-Martinez entered the United States in Texas in 2023 and was arrested by Border Patrol before being released, while Ramirez-Fernandez entered at an unknown date and location. The agency said HSI San Antonio led the investigation, with assistance from HSI Houston, HSI Seattle, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, the FBI, and state and local partners.
