A man from Matamoros, Mexico, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Luis Ernesto Hernandez-Doria, aged 54, had previously pleaded guilty on April 9. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera handed down the sentence, highlighting Hernandez-Doria's extensive criminal history which includes four felony and six misdemeanor convictions. The court emphasized the need for a significant sentence to deter further illegal reentry attempts.
Hernandez-Doria's criminal record includes three prior felony convictions for illegal reentry and an offense involving taking a weapon from an officer. He was initially removed from the United States in November 2016 but returned illegally on three occasions. His latest apprehension occurred on October 12, 2024, in Brownsville.
Following his imprisonment, Hernandez-Doria is expected to undergo removal proceedings as he is not a U.S. citizen. He will remain in custody until he is transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Salazar.
This sentencing is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative that aims to address illegal immigration and combat cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts within the Department of Justice.
