EASTON, PA — Martin Castro-Molina, a/k/a “Jose Noe Galsano-Castellano”, 42, of Bethlehem, PA, was convicted by a federal jury on one count of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportation — his fourth known unlawful return. The verdict, handed down in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, marks the latest chapter in a repeated pattern of defiance against federal immigration law.
Castro-Molina was formally removed from the United States on three separate occasions between 2008 and 2017. Each time, he vanished into the shadows only to resurface years later back on American soil. He was apprehended once again on or about August 24, 2018, living in the Lehigh Valley under the radar — until federal agents closed in.
When confronted by law enforcement, Castro-Molina didn’t come clean. Instead, he tossed out multiple fictitious names in a desperate bid to evade accountability. His lies fell apart quickly under investigation, confirming what authorities already suspected: this was no innocent misunderstanding — it was deliberate, calculated reentry by a man with zero regard for U.S. borders.
“The defendant in this case clearly has no respect for the laws of this country,” said U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain. “After being removed on three previous occasions, Castro-Molina decided yet again to snub our immigration system by entering the United States illegally. I am glad that the jury in this case agreed and held him responsible for his actions.”
Simona L. Flores, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia, emphasized the broader public safety threat posed by repeat immigration violators. “The brave men and women of ICE contribute to making our communities safer by arresting criminal aliens like Martin Castro-Molina. We will ensure that aliens who may pose a threat to our communities are not released onto the streets to potentially reoffend and harm individuals living within our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meaghan Flannery and Jose Arteaga. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date, where Castro-Molina faces significant prison time under federal guidelines for illegal reentry after multiple deportations.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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