A Mexican citizen has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after being previously removed, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Daniel Alejandro Benzor-Mora, 31, received his sentence from United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV following a guilty plea to illegal reentry of a removed alien. The sentencing took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Court documents show that Benzor-Mora was arrested by the Shenango Township Police Department on March 19, 2025. The arrest followed a traffic stop for failing to stop at a stop sign, driving without a license, and attempting to evade police on foot. After this incident, immigration officials determined that Benzor-Mora was unlawfully present in the country and arrested him on March 29, 2025.
Benzor-Mora had previously been deported from the United States on January 3, 2024. Authorities noted that he had not obtained permission to return as required by law. His record includes 14 prior arrests and six convictions in Florida. As part of his sentence, Benzor-Mora agreed to be removed from the country again after serving his federal term.
Judge Stickman stated during sentencing: “impose respect for the law, impose a deterrent consideration and also to demonstrate that these crimes associated with being [in the United States] illegally are taken seriously.” He added: “the exercise of sovereignty requires that a nation guard its borders and that there be consequences for those who, in violation of the country’s law, violate its sovereignty.” Judge Stickman also noted: “this is not a defendant whose only offense against the United States and the people of the several states has been his illegal entry and reentry into the United States.” He continued: “while not a legal resident of this nation, has a history of engaging in criminal acts in violation of the laws of the United States, the laws of the State of Florida and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski led prosecution efforts for this case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti recognized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for their investigative work leading up to Benzor-Mora’s prosecution.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America—a national effort by the Department of Justice aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while combating illegal immigration.
