Mexican national sentenced for illegally reentering U.S.

GREAT FALLS - A Mexican citizen who illegally reentered the country after having been previously removed three times was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Scott Twito said.

Gadiel Mondragon Ramirez, 42, who pleaded guilty in September 2026 to illegally reentering the United States, was sentenced to time served (73 days) and was remanded to the custody and control of Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged in court documents that following a tip, Border Patrol agents spotted Ramirez traveling from Box Elder to Havre on Aug. 17, 2026. The vehicle, which had Washington license plates, stopped at Walmart in Havre. The Border Patrol agent approached to ask those in the vehicle where they were traveling from. As they talked, Ramirez was unable to produce the documents showing he was in the United States legally. Border Patrol learned he was a Mexican citizen and in the country without the proper documentation. Ramirez previously had been removed from the U.S. in 2008, 2009, and 2014.

The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation.