Federal prosecutors, in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies, have charged 21 individuals who were allegedly found in the United States after being previously removed. The charges were announced by the Justice Department.
Many of these defendants had prior felony convictions before their removal, including charges of alien smuggling, burglary, grand theft, and assault with a deadly weapon. Illegally re-entering the U.S. following removal can lead to a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Those removed after felony convictions face up to 10 years, while those with aggravated felony convictions face a maximum of 20 years.
Among the charged individuals is David Casas-Herrera, 45, of Mexico, accused of being an illegal alien found in the U.S. after removal. He was removed multiple times between 1997 and 2022 and previously convicted of alien smuggling and being an illegal alien found in the U.S. following removal. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Scally is prosecuting his case.
Marta Stoican, 40, of Romania, faces similar charges after being removed in 2022. She was arrested by the Baldwin Park Police on suspicion of burglary and has prior convictions for grand theft and theft. Her case is prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Bisland.
Juan Solorzano Reyes, 40, of Mexico, was also charged after previous removals and convictions for drug possession and assault with a deadly weapon. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Staples is handling his case.
These individuals are part of an operation under the Department of Justice named "Operation Take Back America," aiming to curb illegal immigration and dismantle transnational criminal organizations and cartels.
All defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The investigations are ongoing, conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations.