Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, North Carolina 2024

RALEIGH – In a shocking turn of events, five Mexican nationals have been indicted on charges of illegal reentry of a deported alien. According to authorities, the suspects, whose names are Brayan Alexander Funez-Espinoza, age 28, Romero Flores-Aguilar, age 30, Jesus Garcia-Hernandez, age 43, Rodolfo Roa-Saucedo, age 35, and Juan Zaragoza-Zaragoza, age 36, were all previously deported multiple times.

The indictment, which was handed down by a federal grand jury in Raleigh, alleges that the suspects, all of whom are from Mexico, knowingly re-entered the United States after being deported. The charges carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Of the five suspects, Juan Zaragoza-Zaragoza, 36, is the most egregious offender, with four previous deportations. He was found in Beaufort County. Meanwhile, Romero Flores-Aguilar, 30, and Rodolfo Roa-Saucedo, 35, both have two previous deportations. They were found in Johnston County and Pitt County, respectively. Jesus Garcia-Hernandez, 43, has three previous deportations, and was found in Franklin County.

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

The indictment marks a significant crackdown on immigration crimes in North Carolina. As authorities continue to crack down on illegal reentry, it remains to be seen how the suspects will plead.

According to Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, the indictment sends a clear message that immigration crimes will not be tolerated.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear when the suspects will be brought to justice. One thing is certain, however: the consequences of illegal reentry are severe, and those who engage in this crime will be held accountable.

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