E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Federal prosecutors, in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies, have charged 126 individuals for allegedly re-entering the United States after being previously removed. The announcement was made by the Justice Department, highlighting ongoing immigration enforcement activities.
Many of those charged had been convicted of felony offenses before their removal from the U.S., including serious crimes such as manslaughter and crimes against children. The cases were filed in federal courts located in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside, resulting in nearly three dozen arrests over the past week.
The charge of illegal re-entry into the United States carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Those who re-entered after a felony conviction face up to 10 years, while those with an aggravated felony conviction face a maximum of 20 years.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally stated: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is enforcing long-standing immigration laws, and Illegal aliens who defy lawful removal orders by returning to this nation will be prosecuted.” He added that these charges aim to promote respect for immigration laws.
John Pasciucco, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, remarked on the approach taken: “This result represents a brand new, whole-of-government approach to immigration enforcement.” He emphasized that their primary goal is to prevent transnational criminals from continuing their activities within the U.S.
Among those charged are Ricardo Reynoso-Garcia from Arleta; Oscar Parra-Reyes from El Monte; Luis Roberto Calderon Collantes from Rialto; Valentin Vidal-Lopez from Granada Hills; Erasmo Hermosillo-Martin from Inglewood; Angel Navarro-Camarillo; and Isidro Jimenez-Ibanez from Coachella. These individuals face various allegations ranging from drug trafficking to violent offenses.
The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings. The ongoing investigations involve multiple agencies including ICE and HSI with substantial support provided by entities such as the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration among others.
Prosecution efforts are led by Assistant United States Attorneys specializing in Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes as well as General Crimes sections.
