⏱ 2 min read
Rogelio Morales-Ramos, a 36-year-old Guatemalan man, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for reentering the United States after being deported three times. Morales-Ramos, who was living in Sioux Center, Iowa, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry on May 21, 2026. He was arrested on April 4, 2026, after a traffic stop and a foot chase, during which he attempted to flee from law enforcement officers.
Morales-Ramos had been deported from the United States on June 13, 2019, but he returned to the country without permission. When he was arrested, he was found to be in possession of fake documents, including a fictitious international driver’s license. The case was investigated by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
The sentencing took place on July 14, 2026, in Sioux City, where United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand handed down the six-month prison term. Morales-Ramos will also serve a one-year term of supervised release after his imprisonment. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational crime.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood. The sentence reflects the seriousness of Morales-Ramos’ offense and the need to protect the integrity of the US border.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Organized Crime
- Defendant: Iowa
- Location: IA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Organized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized Crime