U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of Juan Vera-Cervantes, a 45-year-old Mexican national, in Rochester, New York. Vera-Cervantes faces charges for re-entering the United States after deportation, which could lead to a maximum prison sentence of two years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, responsible for the case, explained that Border Patrol agents observed a white cargo van with Tennessee plates on February 25, 2025. The license plate check identified Vera-Cervantes as the vehicle's owner. Records showed he had been deported multiple times and had his removal order reinstated three times. During a traffic stop, Vera-Cervantes admitted to being a Mexican citizen without legal immigration documents and was subsequently arrested.
Vera-Cervantes appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under the leadership of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.
It is important to note that charging a defendant with a crime is an accusation, and the defendant remains innocent until proven guilty.