A Mexican national, Victor Jesus Apodaca-Gomez, also known as Carlos Alberto Cardenas, appeared in court in Las Vegas to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after being deported twice. The 31-year-old is charged with one count of being a deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is set for June 2, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler.
According to the criminal complaint and court statements, Apodaca-Gomez was previously deported from the U.S. on April 9, 2020, and May 17, 2022. He allegedly re-entered the country illegally by October 24, 2023. In October 2023, he was arrested by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on drug-related charges and later convicted in Clark County for possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. He was sentenced to imprisonment.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned of his presence in the U.S. on October 25, 2023, following his arrest by state law enforcement in Clark County, Nevada. On January 30, 2025, he was transferred to ICE custody by the Nevada Department of Corrections.
If convicted on the current charge, Apodaca-Gomez could face up to two years of imprisonment, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke. The case is being investigated by ICE's Salt Lake City office and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
The public can report crimes or suspicious activities to ICE via phone or an online tip form.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely an accusation; Apodaca-Gomez is presumed innocent until proven guilty.