A 32-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States for the 14th time. U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei announced that Jose Estrada-Corpus, who pleaded guilty on December 5, 2024, was ordered by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane to serve a 54-month sentence.
The court considered evidence of Estrada-Corpus's past felony convictions, which include assaulting a public servant and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He had been removed from the United States on 13 prior occasions and is identified as a gang member. Judge Crane highlighted Estrada-Corpus's extensive criminal history and noted that he had previously received a lengthy sentence for similar offenses. Following his prison term, Estrada-Corpus is expected to face removal proceedings again.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei stated, "As the facts of this case demonstrate, the defendant has no respect for this nation’s laws." He added that "His repeated disregard for our immigration laws has earned him a serious sentence. Hopefully this case will deter other aliens who might think that this country is not serious about defending its border."
Estrada-Corpus was apprehended on October 31, 2024, while attempting to cross the Rio Grande River near Rio Grande City illegally. His first removal occurred in 2013, and he has six prior convictions related to immigration offenses. During the investigation, Estrada-Corpus admitted affiliation with the Paisas gang.
The Border Patrol conducted the investigation into Estrada-Corpus's activities, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia handled prosecution duties.