Edin Julian Hernandez Mejia, a 23-year-old citizen of Guatemala, has pleaded guilty to re-entering the United States after being previously removed. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo in Buffalo, New York. Hernandez Mejia appeared before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., who sentenced him to three months in prison. After serving his sentence, he will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith stated that Hernandez Mejia did not have legal status in the United States. He was removed from the country twice in early 2024 but was found again in Erie County, New York on August 5, 2025 by U.S. Border Patrol agents without documentation permitting him to remain in the country.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America, 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," according to the press release.
The investigation leading to this plea and sentencing was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks.
