Wilfredo Cuellar-Mejia, Illegal Reentry After Deportation, New Hampshire 2016

Wilfredo Cuellar-Mejia, a citizen of El Salvador, has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after being formally deported—a federal crime carrying stiff penalties and near-certain removal once sentenced.

The 36-year-old was arrested on May 1, 2016, in Manchester, New Hampshire, during a routine DUI traffic stop. Manchester police booked him on state charges before flagging federal immigration authorities for further investigation into his status.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations officers responded and conducted an identity verification. A records check confirmed Cuellar-Mejia had been previously deported to El Salvador and was not legally permitted to reenter the U.S.

Cuellar-Mejia admitted in federal court in Concord, N.H., that he returned to the country without authorization, violating Title 8, U.S. Code, Section 1326. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison, though sentencing guidelines vary based on criminal history.

He is scheduled to be sentenced at 10:00 AM on March 16, 2017, in U.S. District Court. Federal prosecutors expect the court to impose a custodial sentence, followed by swift deportation upon completion.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security’s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfred Rubega is handling the prosecution. U.S. Attorney Emily Gray Rice confirmed the plea and upcoming sentencing.

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