Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Two foreign nationals, Porfirio Martinez-Santos from Mexico and Juan Esteban Zelaya-Hernandez from Honduras, have been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the sentences following their guilty pleas. Martinez-Santos, aged 55, pleaded guilty on December 17, 2024, while 42-year-old Zelaya-Hernandez admitted his guilt on January 31.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Martinez-Santos to 42 months in federal prison and Zelaya-Hernandez to 21 months. During the hearings, the court considered their criminal records. Zelaya-Hernandez was previously convicted in 2023 for possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal reentry. Judge Crane noted that Martinez-Santos had served a 37-month sentence for illegal reentry in the past.
Post-prison, both individuals are expected to face removal proceedings. Law enforcement apprehended Martinez-Santos near Cuevitas on October 4, 2024, and found Zelaya-Hernandez the following month near La Homa. They both claimed to have entered the U.S. illegally on the day of their capture near Hidalgo.
The investigation revealed that Zelaya-Hernandez was ordered removed in August 2024 after serving time for two felonies, while Martinez-Santos was removed in 2023. Both remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
These cases were part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice targeting illegal immigration and organized crime. The Border Patrol conducted the investigations, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Avery Benitez prosecuted the cases.
