Federal prosecutors in North Texas move swiftly, charge nearly 200 criminal alien repeat offenders for illegal reentry

DALLAS - United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that federal prosecutors have charged 184 defendants with illegal reentry after removal since June 1, marking one of the District's most significant recent efforts to confront illegal aliens with egregious criminal history who have reentered the United States in violation of federal law.

By swiftly bringing these cases forward in coordination with federal law enforcement partners, the Department of Justice is reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding our communities. These prosecutions help ensure that individuals with prior removals who continue to engage in unlawful activity are promptly identified, charged and ultimately removed from the United States.

"Those who repeatedly break our immigration laws, especially individuals with serious criminal histories, should understand that they are not welcome in the United States," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Illegal reentry is a federal felony, and we are moving swiftly to charge and remove criminal offenders who endanger our communities. North Texas will not serve as a refuge for those who persist in violating federal law."

"ERO Dallas remains focused on arresting and removing individuals who unlawfully return to the United States after removal, especially those with serious criminal histories," said Miguel Vergara, ERO Dallas Field Office Director. "This initiative strengthens coordination with our partners and supports safer communities."

"HSI Dallas works closely with our federal partners to identify and investigate individuals who illegally reenter the United States after removal, particularly those with serious criminal histories," said Antwoine Jones, HSI Dallas Deputy Special Agent in Charge. "These cases reflect the value of strong law enforcement coordination and our shared commitment to protecting public safety and upholding federal law."

Illegal reentry carries statutory penalties that may increase based on prior criminal history. Previous criminal convictions of defendants presently charged for illegal reentry include:

• Aggravated sexual assault of a child
• Indecency with a child
• Hit & run causing fatality
• Aggravated robbery
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault on a public servant

ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigations. This initiative is being led by the Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, Major Crimes Section Chief, and the cases are being prosecuted by the following Assistant U.S. Attorneys: Myria Boehm, John Boyle, Alexander Fryer, Katy Garner, Ashley Koos, Michael Murtha, Eli Sterbcow, David Thomas and Patrick Vickery, as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys: Eric Bales, Paul Lichlyter, Marbel Munoz, and Sarah Stefaniak.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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