(TEXAS) — uscis processing times remain steady overall entering mid-January 2026, with most family-based adjustment and work-permit cases moving at a similar pace to late 2025, while delays still commonly follow rfes, interviews, and security checks. As of January 2026, applicants should treat all posted timelines as estimates and confirm current ranges at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
the timing matters. On Jan. 9, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Texas highlighted a first-week-of-2026 surge in immigration-related criminal filings.
“New year, same commitment to border enforcement: southern district charges 201 individuals.”
The announcement reported 200 cases filed Jan. 2–8, 2026. That enforcement posture can affect detention capacity, community risk tolerance, and scrutiny across immigration systems, even when your case is purely administrative.
Overview: Surge in federal immigration prosecutions (Jan 2–8, 2026)
The Southern District of Texas said it filed 200 immigration and border security cases in one week. The statement came through a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release, which is how DOJ districts communicate enforcement priorities.
These filings are criminal prosecutions in federal court. They differ from civil immigration enforcement, such as removal proceedings in immigration court or USCIS benefits processing. A criminal charge is an allegation. It must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. A USCIS case is decided under immigration benefit standards and eligibility rules.
A one-week snapshot is informative but incomplete. Weekly totals can rise due to referrals, staffing, weather, or operational pushes. They do not, by themselves, prove a permanent change in long-term policy.
The press release also broke out charges by category. The category counts are summarized in the statistics section below.
Official statistics by category (Jan 2–8, 2026)
The Southern District of Texas report grouped cases into common federal immigration “buckets.” The descriptions below explain the typical statutes and conduct that fall into each category.
- Reentry after removal (felony reentry) typically alleges a person returned after a prior removal order. It is commonly charged under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
- Illegal entry generally refers to entering or attempting to enter without inspection. It is often charged under 8 U.S.C. § 1325.
- Human smuggling usually involves transporting, harboring, or bringing people across the border. Facts drive the exact statute.
- Firearms/other can include firearm possession restrictions and related immigration offenses.
The high share of reentry cases often reflects a focus on repeat removals. It can also reflect who is being encountered and referred. It does not prove motive in any individual case.
Caveat matters here. Charges are allegations. Outcomes depend on evidence, defenses, pleas, and court rulings.
Specific defendants and case details
The Southern District of Texas press release highlighted representative examples.
One example described Daniel Enrique Rangel-Quezada, a Mexican national found near Garciasville, Texas. The government alleged he possessed a firearm as a noncitizen and had a gunshot wound. The press release described a maximum penalty of up to 15 years for prohibited firearm possession.
Another example named Juan Dimas-Sosa and Audelio Rios-Castillo, who were allegedly removed in 2024 and 2025. The government said they were encountered again near McAllen. The press release described maximum penalties up to 20 years for felony reentry.
Prior removals and criminal history can affect charging decisions. They can also affect sentencing exposure. Still, maximum penalties are not guaranteed outcomes. Federal sentencing depends on guidelines, facts, and the judge’s rulings.
Broader enforcement context across districts
The Southern District of Texas numbers were presented alongside regional activity. The Western District of Texas reported hundreds of new cases over several weeks ending Jan. 8. The District of New Mexico reported “Operation Take Back America” charges.
District comparisons can be useful, but imperfect. Geography drives who is encountered. Referral patterns also differ. Court capacity and detention space matter too.
For families and employers, multi-district surges can mean fuller dockets. That can affect availability of counsel and hearing dates. It can also increase the urgency of having paperwork ready.
Significance: policy context and aims
Prosecutors often cite deterrence and recidivism. That framing is common in reentry cases. Public safety messaging also appears when prior “aggravated felony” histories are mentioned.
The reporting also referenced “National Defense Areas” along the border. In plain terms, these are designated areas tied to federal operations. They can support detection and enforcement activity.
None of these concepts change USCIS eligibility by themselves. They can affect enforcement posture around the border and interior operations.
Impact on individuals: penalties, process, and family considerations
In criminal immigration cases, people may face arrest, a federal charging document, and an initial appearance. Detention decisions can follow. Some defendants are released with conditions. Others remain detained.
Many cases resolve by plea. Some go to trial. Sentencing follows later. Convictions can carry prison time, supervised release, and major immigration consequences.
Families often feel the impact first. Detention can disrupt caregiving and income. It can also complicate coordination for children who depend on a detained parent.
Concurrent DHS/USCIS actions (January 2026)
DOJ prosecutions are separate from USCIS benefit decisions. Still, concurrent initiatives can shape what applicants experience.
USCIS announced Operation PARRIS on Jan. 9, 2026. It was described as a post-admission refugee reverification and integrity effort. Large-scale reviews can increase requests for records, interviews, and clarification.
For applicants, the practical message is simple. Keep copies of filings and prior approvals. Prepare to answer questions consistently. Respond to any USCIS notice by the deadline.
USCIS processing update: what to expect (as of January 2026)
Processing times vary by form type, category, and office. Always confirm your specific range at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
Processing time comparison (estimates as of January 2026)
| Form / Step | Typical Range (Est.) | Where It’s Processed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | 10–16 months | Service center | Varies by relationship and center. |
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | 8–14 months | NBC + field office | Interview needs can extend timelines. |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (EAD) | 3–7 months | NBC/service center | Category matters. Some renewals vary. |
| Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) | 4–10 months | NBC/service center | Do not travel without approval. |
Form quick reference (fees as of January 2026; verify at uscis.gov/fees)
| Form | Purpose | Fee | Typical Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status | $1,225 | 8–14 months |
| I-130 | Family petition | $625 | 10–16 months |
| I-765 | Work permit (EAD) | $410 | 3–7 months |
| N-400 | Naturalization | $760 | Varies by field office |
Required Form: Use the current edition from uscs.gov/forms. A wrong edition can cause rejection.
Current Fee: Fees change. A wrong amount can cause rejection. Verify at uscis.gov/fees. Fee waivers may be possible using Form I-912 for eligible applicants.
Processing Time: Times are estimates as of January 2026. They vary by category and office. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
Common Mistake: Traveling while Form I-131 is pending. Departing without approval can abandon Form I-485.
What slows cases down
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for missing documents or unclear records.
- Interviews scheduled by the local field office for Form I-485 and Form N-400.
- Security and background checks that require more review.
- Address changes not reported, which can cause missed notices.
Expedite requests and case status checks
Expedites are discretionary. They are more likely with strong proof of urgent harm, such as severe financial loss or urgent humanitarian reasons.
- Create an account at my.uscis.gov.
- Use “Case Status Online” and your receipt number.
- Read every USCIS notice carefully and respond on time.
- Update your address using your USCIS account if you move.
Download Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and any related forms from uscis.gov/forms. Verify the correct fee at uscis.gov/fees before paying. Check your form’s live processing time at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/, then track your receipt in your my.uscis.gov account.
| Official Resources |
|---|
|
Download forms at https://www.uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at https://www.uscis.gov. |
Federal prosecutors in Texas recorded 200 immigration-related criminal filings during the first week of 2026, focusing on reentry and smuggling. Concurrently, USCIS reported that overall processing times remain steady for most family and employment-based benefits, though administrative scrutiny is increasing through initiatives like Operation PARRIS. Applicants should expect continued focus on enforcement alongside standard benefit processing, necessitating accurate documentation and timely responses to all official notices.
