U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced the arrest of Juan Vera-Cervantes, a 45-year-old Mexican national, who faces charges for re-entering the United States illegally after being deported multiple times. The charge carries a potential maximum sentence of two years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, responsible for the case, detailed that on February 25, 2025, Border Patrol agents identified a white cargo van with Tennessee plates on I-490. A license plate check showed Vera-Cervantes as the vehicle's registered owner and revealed his previous deportations and reinstated removal orders. During a traffic stop, Vera-Cervantes admitted to being a Mexican citizen without legal immigration documents in the U.S., leading to his arrest.
Vera-Cervantes appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained following his initial court appearance.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under the leadership of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.
It is important to note that charges are accusations at this stage, and Vera-Cervantes is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
