A Guatemalan national, Jose Martinez-Lopez, also known as "Amalio Mendez-Molina," has been charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. The 33-year-old was arrested on March 11, 2025, and ordered detained until trial following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield.
The charging documents indicate that Martinez-Lopez was removed from the United States to Guatemala on August 28, 2009, after entering illegally at an unknown prior date. After his removal, he unlawfully reentered the country and was deported again on May 10, 2011.
It is alleged that Martinez-Lopez illegally entered the United States for a third time and was found guilty of human smuggling conspiracy in Phoenix, Arizona on August 8, 2011. He received a one-year probationary sentence and was removed from the country on August 23, 2011.
Martinez-Lopez allegedly entered the U.S. illegally for a fourth time and faced arrests by the Cook County Sheriff's Office in Illinois for domestic battery/bodily harm on November 25, 2022, and June 17, 2023. A federal immigration detainer was lodged against him on June 18, 2023.
On March 10, 2025, using the name Amalio Mendez-Molina, Martinez-Lopez was arrested in West Springfield for assault and battery on a police officer. Fingerprints taken during this arrest matched his previous biometrics.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien could result in up to a twenty-year prison sentence, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completing any imposed sentence. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes governing criminal cases.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow is prosecuting the case.
It should be noted that details contained within the charging documents are allegations at this stage; Martinez-Lopez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.