Jose Juan Salas-Esparza: Sixth Illegal Reentry Conviction

TULSA, Okla. – The grimy streets of Tulsa witnessed a familiar face return to American soil once more, as Mexican national Jose Juan Salas-Esparza, 48, was handed his sixth deportation conviction for unlawful reentry into the United States.

According to U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson, Judge Gustavo A. Gelpi, Jr., imposed an 18-month sentence on Salas-Esparza, followed by three years of supervised release, for Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. The judge’s stern verdict came after Salas-Esparza’s most recent removal in December 2024, stemming from his conviction in the Western District of Texas for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and two counts of Illegal Alien Transportation.

Salas-Esparza’s previous five deportations followed instances of driving under the influence. The latest addition to his rap sheet includes an arrest in March 2025 for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, and other traffic violations. His record check revealed that he had been deported from the United States on multiple occasions.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into Salas-Esparza’s case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster prosecuting it. As he awaits transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Salas-Esparza remains in custody, facing further removal proceedings following his sentence. His transgressions are a stark reminder of Operation Take Back America’s ongoing battle against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating cartels, protecting communities from violent crime, and upholding the rule of law in the face of an influx of illegal immigrants. It serves as a chilling testament to the persistent threat that illegal reentry poses to national security and public safety.

Salas-Esparza’s sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who persistently defy the laws of our land. His case underscores the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to enforcing immigration law and safeguarding the integrity of our nation’s borders.