Alamdar Hamdani U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States for the 14th time. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. The individual, identified as Jose Estrada-Corpus, had previously pleaded guilty on December 5, 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed down the sentence after considering additional evidence presented during the hearing. This evidence included Estrada-Corpus's past felony convictions, such as assaulting a public servant and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He has also been removed from the country on 13 previous occasions and is known to be a gang member.
In his remarks, Judge Crane highlighted Estrada-Corpus's extensive criminal history and noted that he had received a lengthy sentence for a similar offense in the past. As Estrada-Corpus is not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings once again following his prison term.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei commented on the case, stating: "As the facts of this case demonstrate, the defendant has no respect for this nation’s laws." He further added that "His repeated disregard for our immigration laws has earned him a serious sentence," expressing hope that this would deter others from violating immigration laws.
Estrada-Corpus was apprehended by authorities on October 31, 2024, while attempting to cross the Rio Grande River near Rio Grande City illegally. His first removal occurred in 2013, and he has six prior convictions related to immigration offenses. During the investigation, Estrada-Corpus admitted membership in the Paisas gang.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol agents, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuting the case.
