During a week-long enforcement operation from May 3 to May 9, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona charged 314 individuals with immigration-related crimes. Of these, 117 cases involved illegal re-entry into the United States, while another 166 charges were for illegal entry. Additionally, 25 cases were filed against 31 individuals accused of smuggling illegal aliens within the District of Arizona.
These legal actions were supported by federal law enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
One notable case is United States v. Marco Antonio Ruelas-Solis. On May 3, Marco Antonio Ruelas-Solis was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition while target shooting in Tonto National Forest in Maricopa County. He faces charges for Possession of a Firearm by an Alien Unlawfully Present in the United States and Reentry of a Removed Alien.
Another case involves Clayton Line Wilhite, who was arrested on May 4 after failing to yield at an immigration checkpoint. Wilhite led officers on a brief chase before being apprehended along with two illegal aliens from Mexico who attempted to flee his vehicle.
It is important to note that criminal complaints are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
These actions are part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts by various Department of Justice resources.