Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national, Enrique Melendez-Saldivar, has been found guilty of illegally reentering the United States. The conviction was announced by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei after a bench trial presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane.
Melendez-Saldivar, 43, was apprehended on December 19, 2024, near Los Ebanos while attempting to enter the country without authorization. Investigations confirmed that he is not a U.S. citizen and has previously been convicted for illegal reentry, having been removed from the United States at least eight times.
During the trial, it was revealed that Melendez-Saldivar resisted arrest when authorities attempted to detain him in South Texas. His defense argued that his rights were violated due to excessive force used during his arrest; however, Judge Crane dismissed these claims and upheld the charges against him.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, where Melendez-Saldivar could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He remains in custody until sentencing.
The investigation leading to his conviction was conducted by Border Patrol and the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
