A Guatemalan national residing unlawfully in New Bedford has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after being deported. Jose De Leon Ventura, aged 30, admitted to one count of unlawful reentry before U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani. The sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2025. De Leon Ventura was arrested on April 23, 2025, and has been held in custody since then.
De Leon Ventura had previously been removed from the United States in December 2019 following an arrest by U.S. Border Patrol in Yuma, Arizona. After his removal, he unlawfully returned to the country. His presence came to the attention of federal authorities after his arrest by state authorities in August 2023 for operating under the influence and driving with a suspended license.
The charge of unlawful reentry carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $250,000. Following any imposed sentence, De Leon Ventura will face deportation proceedings. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director for Boston's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Lyons is handling the prosecution.
