A federal grand jury has indicted Renato Jardines-Santiago, a 37-year-old citizen of Mexico, on a charge of illegal reentry. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the indictment, which alleges that Jardines-Santiago was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on or about August 25, 2025. He had previously been removed from the United States through San Ysidro, California, and allegedly reentered without obtaining legal permission. Jardines-Santiago was also prosecuted in 2019 for illegally reentering the country after removal.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting it.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
If convicted, Jardines-Santiago faces up to 10 years in prison, supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine under federal law. Sentencing will be determined by a judge according to federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
Officials emphasized that indictments are allegations only; all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
