Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national with a prior felony record has been sentenced for unauthorized reentry into the United States, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Joaquin Hernandez-Reyes, aged 29, pleaded guilty on January 9 and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Drew B. Tipton to 72 months in federal prison.
Hernandez-Reyes has previous felony convictions, including illegal reentry, assault of a public servant, and possession of a controlled substance. He was initially removed from the U.S. in 2016 but returned illegally on several occasions. On December 10, 2024, authorities apprehended him near McAllen, Texas.
Currently, Hernandez-Reyes is in custody, pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. Upon completion of his sentence, he is expected to undergo removal proceedings once again.
The case was investigated by Border Patrol, and prosecution was managed by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Delcolle. This action is part of "Operation Take Back America," a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at curbing illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations. The operation harnesses resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
