BROWNSVILLE, Texas – In a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal immigration, a 49-year-old man from El Trapiche, Guerrero, Mexico, has pleaded guilty to reentering the United States, a serious federal offense.
Angel Zavaleta-Rodriguez, whose prior removal from the country dates back to August 2000, returned illegally on multiple occasions, highlighting the challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in keeping the nation’s borders secure.
According to court documents, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the guilty plea, which will now face sentencing on September 7. At that time, Zavaleta-Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
Angel Zavaleta-Rodriguez was apprehended on March 25 in Harlingen, Texas, and has been residing in Sebastian, Texas, without proper documentation, further exacerbating the situation.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety, demonstrating the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating immigration-related crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado is leading the prosecution of the case, which is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at repelling the invasion of illegal immigration.
The harsh sentence facing Angel Zavaleta-Rodriguez serves as a warning to those who attempt to circumvent the law and enter the United States without proper authorization.
Defendant: Angel Zavaleta-Rodriguez
Criminal Charges: Unlawful Reentry into the United States
City and State: BROWNSVILLE, Texas
Exact Date: August 2000 (removal), November 13, 2023 (apprehension), and March 25, 2024 (crime date)
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine
Dollar Amounts: $250,000
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Immigration
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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