Jose Miguel Molina-Echavarria, a 40-year-old citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to time served—nearly four months in prison—by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed. The sentencing took place following Molina-Echavarria's arrest on May 18, 2025, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, for Driving Under the Influence and related charges.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Molina-Echavarria had previously been removed from the country pursuant to a court order in 2024. After his recent arrest and indictment by a federal grand jury, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry before being sentenced.
The investigation was conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.
"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)."
Molina-Echavarria still faces pending state charges in Franklin County and an ICE detainer has been lodged against him for deportation proceedings.
