Missoula, MT – Eduardo Heriberto Mendoza-Almanza, a 40-year-old man from Mexico, has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry into the United States after being deported eight times previously. The charge comes with a hefty sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine that could reach $250,000.
Mendoza-Almanza was arraigned by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto, who presided over the guilty plea. His sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2025, when U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will decide on his fate after reviewing guidelines and considerations.
According to court documents, Mendoza-Almanza was apprehended in Belgrade, Montana, on April 6, 2025, following a traffic stop for driving without a functioning license plate light. He was carrying his Mexican driver’s license, and it was discovered that he had suspended driving privileges in Montana and revoked ones in New Mexico. His arrest also stemmed from numerous active warrants.
Mendoza-Almanza’s prior deportations date back to 2006, when his first removal occurred. He has been convicted of felony illegal reentry in the District of Montana, Missoula Division, on March 15, 2023. Despite not having permission to return to the U.S., he has made several attempts to do so.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement handling the investigation.
This disturbing incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with repeat illegal immigrants who pose a threat to public safety. Mendoza-Almanza’s guilty plea is yet another reminder of the serious consequences that face those who attempt to circumvent U.S. immigration laws.
RELATED: Repeat Offender Mendoza-Almanza Faces Federal Time
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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