A Dominican national residing illegally in Philadelphia has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for reentering the United States after multiple deportations. Melvin Gutierrez-Almonte, aged 42, received this sentence from United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. Additionally, he will face three years of supervised release following his term in prison.
The defendant was charged in September of the previous year and admitted guilt to the charges this January. Gutierrez-Almonte entered the United States illegally in April 2023, coming from Mexico into Arizona. Records show he had previously been deported from the United States on four occasions, with dates recorded in March 2011, September 2016, March 2018, and September 2020. He had not received authorization to return, and he has three prior illegal reentry convictions in Puerto Rico.
Court records indicate that Gutierrez-Almonte was arrested by police in Hudson County, New Jersey, in May 2024, for simple assault and receiving stolen property. In July 2024, he was again arrested in Philadelphia, this time under the name "Conjeo Almonet," for aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime, and simple assault. Following this arrest, immigration officials were alerted to his presence.
Subsequently, Gutierrez-Almonte was charged with illegal reentry by federal criminal complaint, and an ICE officer arrested him in September 2024 after he was released from Philadelphia custody.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf remarked on Gutierrez-Almonte's history, stating, "Melvin Gutierrez-Almonte is a serial violator of our country’s sovereignty. He has entered the United States illegally and been removed multiple times already." Metcalf emphasized the significance of respecting U.S. immigration laws and the example Gutierrez-Almonte sets for non-compliance.
Brian McShane, Acting Field Office Director for ICE ERO in Philadelphia, highlighted the potential risks posed by Gutierrez-Almonte’s repeated unlawful actions. "Ensuring the safety of our communities is at the core of our mission at ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations," McShane stated. He affirmed ICE's continued cooperation with law enforcement partners to enforce immigration laws and protect communities.
Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by ICE ERO.
