A native and citizen of Honduras was charged for illegally re-entering the United States after previously being removed, according to a July 31 announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon made the announcement alongside Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo, Jr. of the U.S. Border Patrol, Detroit Sector. The government charged Michael Jamblyck Costly Bennett, 30, who appeared in federal court in Detroit and was detained pending further proceedings.
According to the criminal complaint, agents arrested Bennett during a traffic stop in Taylor, Michigan. During processing, a records check revealed that Bennett was present in the United States illegally and wanted abroad for murder. Agents also discovered fraudulent documents in his possession, including counterfeit Social Security and permanent resident cards. Authorities said Bennett had been removed from the United States twice before.
“This apprehension underscores the critical nature of our mission. We will enforce our immigration law at and beyond our borders to remove dangerous foreign nationals who attempt to hide within our communities,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo, Jr. “Our agents build strong law enforcement partnerships and exercise the utmost vigilance on duty while utilizing every tool at our disposal to ensure that violent criminals—regardless of where they originate—are held accountable and prevented from threatening the safety of the American public.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative that marshals resources from the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration and protect communities from violent crime.
Officials noted that a complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.