Two Mexican nationals have pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The proceedings took place before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago, 36, admitted guilt and received a four-month prison sentence. Zeferino Marceliano Leon, 35, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served before being transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith stated that Border Patrol agents encountered both men on July 24, 2025. During questioning, they confirmed their Mexican citizenship and lack of legal status in the United States. Authorities found that Gregorio Santiago had been previously removed from the country once in 2011 and twice in 2019; Marceliano Leon had been removed in 2011.
"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 statement.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks.
