Since January, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has charged 46 individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. with various offenses. These charges include illegal reentry, drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and child pornography. The individuals are from countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Venezuela. Some have prior convictions for human smuggling and other crimes.
One case involves Hector Bejerano-Bejerano from Mexico, who was arrested at a gas station in Novi, Michigan. He had two prior federal immigration convictions and was previously involved in smuggling other illegal aliens into the U.S.
Dulce Rubio-Rivera from Mexico was found during a federal search warrant execution in Detroit. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine after being found with drugs and an AK-47 rifle.
Luis Fernando Santillan-Valderrabano also from Mexico had been admitted to the U.S. on a special visa but violated its terms multiple times. He has been removed several times but continued to re-enter illegally.
Gustavo Placencia-Rosales from Mexico faces charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession after being stopped by law enforcement with cocaine and firearms.
Luis Gerardo Rodriguez-Rey from Colombia was charged with possessing a firearm while unlawfully present in the U.S., following a traffic stop by River Rouge Police Department officers.
Luis Angel Alvarez-Alvarez from Venezuela was arrested without a license plate on his vehicle and charged with child pornography offenses after a search of his cellular device revealed alleged abusive material.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck stated that "The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has a long-standing commitment to enforcing the immigrations laws of the United States." Detroit Sector Chief Patrol Agent John R. Morris praised agents' efforts saying they make "this country safer than it was just a few short months ago."
Marty C. Raybon emphasized that keeping dangerous elements out is central to border security mandates. ICE ERO Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch noted their focus on securing communities through arrests of criminal aliens.
Jared Murphey highlighted ICE HSI's priority on investigating those exploiting immigration systems while Andrew Lawton mentioned DEA's focus on drug investigations involving violent criminals.
James Deir reaffirmed ATF's commitment alongside Homeland Security partners to enforce immigration laws, while Cheyvoryea Gibson underscored FBI's dedication to upholding safety and security.
These cases were investigated by various agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorneys in the National Security Unit are prosecuting these cases.
A complaint or indictment is merely a formal charge; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by the government.