A Mexican national living in Houston has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas.
Odon Chavez-Esquivel, 38, pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025. U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen handed down the sentence and noted that Chavez-Esquivel is not a U.S. citizen and will likely face removal proceedings after serving his prison term.
Chavez-Esquivel has a history of illegal reentry into the country and multiple convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities first removed him from the United States in May 2003. He returned illegally in April 2011 and again in August 2012. In August 2022, officials found him once more following his fourth DUI conviction.
Chavez-Esquivel remains in custody while awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations led the investigation, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Law prosecuted the case.
"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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime," according to information provided by authorities.
The Southern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office is part of the Department of Justice and operates under the Attorney General (official website). The office covers 43 counties with over nine million residents and employs more than 200 attorneys (official website). Its offices are located across Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, and Brownsville (official website). The office focuses on prosecuting federal crimes and handling civil cases for the government (official website).
The district has had several notable leaders over time such as Alamdar Hamdani (2022–2025) and Ryan Patrick (official history page).
