A Honduran national has been indicted in New Orleans for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Miguel Angel Lopez-Mejia, 32, was indicted on October 31, 2025, for illegal reentry of a removed alien under Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the charging document, Lopez-Mejia was found in the U.S. on October 16, 2025. Authorities allege he returned without authorization from the Attorney General after being deported on July 15, 2022.
If convicted, Lopez-Mejia could face up to two years in prison and up to one year of supervised release. He also faces a possible fine of up to $250,000 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson stated: "An indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice intended to address illegal immigration and organized crime through coordinated efforts among its various divisions such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Simpson recognized the role played by United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters, Jr., from the General Crimes Unit, is leading the prosecution.
