Recently, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama indicted several individuals on charges related to illegal reentry after deportation and possession of firearms by aliens. Others have been sentenced or are awaiting further proceedings following guilty pleas to federal immigration-related charges.
"Keeping our communities safe is our top priority," stated U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. "My office is focused on prosecuting individuals who are in our country illegally, especially those who engage in federal crimes. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable."
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta covering Alabama and Georgia, emphasized the importance of addressing these violations: "The charges and sentences announced today highlight the importance of pursuing criminals who violate our nation’s immigration laws and threaten public safety. HSI and our partners remain steadfast in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting illegal aliens who engage in criminal activity, unlawfully possess firearms or commit violence across our communities."
Those indicted over recent months include Elbio Byron Cuz-Chub from Guatemala for firearm possession as an alien; Edgar Bayardo Madriz-Morales from Nicaragua for illegal reentry; Jorge Campos-Xochihua from Mexico for firearm possession as an alien; and Abraham Lopez-Ramirez from Mexico for illegal reentry.
Several defendants have also been adjudicated on similar charges: Juan Manuel Salas-Sanchez received 135 months for methamphetamine distribution intent and firearm possession as an alien; Marvin Ernesto Clemente was sentenced to 36 months for illegal re-entry; Raul Edgardo Jimenez-Cruz received 24 months for cocaine distribution intent and illegal reentry; Jesus Daniel Bibiano-Ruiz was sentenced to 12 months for firearm possession as an alien; Alvaro Amezcua-Gonzalez received 10 months for similar charges; while Clemente Aguilera-Castaneda pleaded guilty to illegal reentry with sentencing scheduled.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys will continue training efforts with attorneys, agents, and law enforcement partners on investigating and prosecuting immigration offenses federally.
