Mexican National With Felony Drug Conviction Charged for Illegally Reentering The United States

LAS VEGAS - A Mexican national made her initial court appearance yesterday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Maria Vega-Villalba, 45, is charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J Albregts.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, Vega-Villalba is a citizen and national of Mexico who was previously deported and removed from the United States on May 16, 2024, and reentered the United States illegally. Fifteen months after Vega-Villalba was deported, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested her in a targeted operation on August 21, 2025.

On January 23, 2023, the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County, convicted Vega-Villalba of Attempt Sale or Transportation for Sale of a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl). Upon release from prison, an Immigration Judge on May 14, 2024, ordered Vega-Villalba removed. Two days later, she was deported to Mexico.

If convicted, Vega-Villalba faces the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Jason Knight made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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