Federal prosecutors have charged 17 individuals with illegally re-entering the United States after removal, as announced by the Justice Department. These defendants were previously removed and many had prior felony convictions, including assault with bodily injury. One is suspected of murder and another was arrested for allegedly committing assault with intent to rape.
The crime of being found in the U.S. after removal can lead to a sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Those removed after felony convictions face a maximum sentence of 10 years, while those with aggravated felony convictions could face up to 20 years.
Some cases include Jescar Amarzca-Olgiuen from Mexico, charged after his arrest on March 19 in Orange County as a suspect in a 2023 murder case. He has a previous conviction for fraud and misuse of visas. Marvin Campos Cerna from El Salvador was arrested on March 7 in West Hollywood for alleged assault with intent to rape among other charges; he has a prior conviction for assault with bodily injury.
Victor Navarro-Cota and Tereso Guadalupe Martinez-Reyes, both from Mexico, were arrested near Barstow on March 13 with a vehicle filled with Nike shoes worth $81,260. Both had been deported earlier this year.
All allegations are contained within criminal complaints and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with Homeland Security Investigations are handling these investigations. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys from the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section and the General Crimes Section.