Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced that Marlon Santos, a 36-year-old Honduran national, pleaded guilty to re-entering the United States after being removed. The plea was entered on July 9, 2025.
Court documents revealed that Santos was found in Orleans Parish on April 21, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on December 21, 2018.
Santos could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Additional penalties include up to one year of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2025, before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration and combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation involves collaboration between various task forces including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Simpson commended the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for their investigative efforts in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis from the General Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution.
