Mexican and Salvadoran nationals residing in Las Vegas appeared in court on Thursday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previous deportation. David Cristales-Machado, 35, and Juan Manuel Lopez-Mendez, 35, have both been charged with one count of being a deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both individuals are set for April 24, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.
As stated in the criminal complaints and court presentations, Cristales-Machado, an El Salvador citizen, and Lopez-Mendez, a Mexico national, were deported previously and subsequently reentered the United States unlawfully. On March 22, 2025, Cristales-Machado was placed under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the Clark County Detention Center after being arrested and convicted twice for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. He had been deported on or around October 8, 2014, and has prior felony convictions, including two for attempted possession of a stolen vehicle and one for attempted burglary.
Lopez-Mendez was remanded to ICE custody from the Clark County Detention Center on March 28, 2025, based on an ICE detainer after being arrested for possession of a controlled substance by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police. He was previously deported to Mexico on July 12, 2018, and has two past felony convictions: one for transporting a controlled substance and another for attempted possession of a stolen vehicle.
Cristales-Machado could face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment if convicted. Lopez-Mendez faces a potential maximum penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment if convicted.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke. The case is being investigated by the ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, and is prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
The public can report crimes and suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting an online tip. It is important to note that a complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.