Federal prosecutors are expected to announce an indictment against Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas on Friday, with details of the charges not immediately available. Cuellar and his wife have been charged, and he maintains their innocence, stating that everything he has done in Congress has been to serve the people of South Texas. He sought legal advice from the House Ethics Committee and a national law firm before taking any action related to the allegations, and requested a meeting with prosecutors in Washington, D.C. to explain the facts, but they declined to discuss the case with them.
The FBI conducted a search of Cuellar’s home in Laredo and campaign office in January 2022, though his lawyer stated that he was not the target of a federal investigation. The probe was related to Azerbaijan and several U.S. businessmen, and Cuellar’s office confirmed that he was cooperating fully with the investigation, denying any wrongdoing. It is not clear whether the anticipated indictment is related to the search. Cuellar, a moderate Democrat representing the 28th Congressional District, narrowly defeated a primary challenge from immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros in the 2022 election cycle.
Cuellar, the only remaining self-identified “pro-life” Democrat in the House, has been a prominent figure in U.S. politics. In October 2023, he reported being carjacked by three armed assailants while returning to his home in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, D.C. His district stretches from San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border, and he has been known for his stance on immigration. Despite the expected indictment, Cuellar has stated that he will continue to seek reelection to the House in November.
The specific nature of the allegations against Cuellar and his wife has not been disclosed, but the congressman has maintained his innocence throughout the process. He has received legal advice and sought to explain the facts to prosecutors, but they have declined to discuss the case with him. Cuellar’s lawyer previously stated that he was not the target of the federal investigation related to Azerbaijan and U.S. businessmen. The congressman has been an influential figure in U.S. politics, representing his district since 2005.
Cuellar’s status as a moderate Democrat and the only “pro-life” member of his party in the House has set him apart from his colleagues. Despite facing challenges in the past, including a tough primary race in the 2022 election cycle, he has continued to serve his constituents in South Texas. The anticipated indictment marks a significant development in Cuellar’s political career, but he remains committed to seeking reelection and representing the interests of his district. The outcome of the legal proceedings will likely have implications for Cuellar’s future in Congress.
