An operation by ICE Boston has resulted in a Guatemalan national pleading guilty to reentering the United States illegally after being deported. Manuel Ruiz-Luis, aged 52, admitted guilt to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien in federal court.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers arrested Ruiz-Luis on March 31, 2025, in New Bedford, where he was residing unlawfully.
"Manuel Ruiz-Luis has displayed a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws by illegally reentering the U.S. after having been deported on two previous occasions," stated Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director of ICE ERO Boston. "Furthermore, Ruiz-Luis chose to endanger our law-abiding residents by driving his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our New England neighborhoods."
Ruiz-Luis was first deported from the United States to Guatemala in April 1996 and returned illegally at an unspecified time afterward. He was removed again on March 28, 2012, but subsequently reentered without permission.
Before his removal in 2012, Ruiz-Luis had several criminal convictions in the U.S., including operating under the influence and four instances of operating a motor vehicle without a license.
Ruiz-Luis faces up to two years in prison followed by one year of supervised release and a potential fine of up to $250,000 at his sentencing scheduled for September 18. He is also subject to deportation after serving any sentence imposed.
The public can report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or using the online tip form.
More information about ICE’s mission for public safety is available on X at @EROBoston.
