Cesar Cruz-Perez, 35, of Mexico, is behind bars again—this time for illegally returning to the United States after being booted out twice and serving time for a serious drug crime. Convicted of being a removed alien found in the U.S. following an aggravated felony, Cruz-Perez was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci Jr. in Buffalo, N.Y.
The facts are cold and clear: On August 9, 2017, federal agents found Cruz-Perez in Clarence, NY. He didn’t run. Didn’t lie. He admitted straight-up to law enforcement that he was in the country illegally. That confession triggered a records check that exposed his violent past—back in 2004, he was convicted in New Jersey for possessing a Controlled Dangerous Substance on school property, a felony that brands him an aggravated offender under federal law.
But here’s the kicker—Cruz-Perez has already been removed from the U.S. twice. In 2007, immigration authorities sent him back to Mexico on two separate occasions. Each time, he came back. Each time, he dodged the system—until now. This isn’t just a case of crossing the border—it’s a repeat offender thumbing his nose at federal immigration orders and criminal penalties.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Cantil, who pushed for accountability under federal statutes that crack down on deported felons who reenter the country. The law is unforgiving for this kind of recidivism, and the sentence reflects the severity of Cruz-Perez’s repeated violations. Twenty-one months isn’t a lifetime, but it’s a clear message: cross the line too many times, and the feds will put you away.
The investigation that led to his sentencing was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Steven Oldman. Their work tied Cruz-Perez’s current presence in New York to his criminal history and past deportations, building an airtight case that left no room for leniency.
U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. made the announcement today, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to targeting individuals like Cruz-Perez—deported felons who reenter the country and pose a threat to public safety. For now, Buffalo’s streets are one repeat offender quieter.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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