Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont has announced that Rufino Hernandez-Hernandez, a 42-year-old Mexican national, faces charges of unlawful re-entry into the United States following previous removals.
According to court documents, Hernandez-Hernandez was deported from the U.S. four times between 2013 and 2020. His return without reapplying for admission constitutes a new offense under U.S. law.
The United States Attorney’s Office noted that these are merely allegations at this stage and emphasized that Hernandez-Hernandez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison, although the final sentence will be determined by the District Court based on guidelines and statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigatory work carried out by the U.S. Border Patrol in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig is prosecuting the case, while Hernandez-Hernandez is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aiming to address illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations. It combines resources from various Department of Justice programs including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
