⏱ 2 min read
Rogelio Morales-Ramos, a 36-year-old Guatemalan national, pled guilty to reentering the United States without permission after being deported three times. The incident occurred in Sioux City, Iowa, where Morales-Ramos had been living in Sioux Center. On April 1, 2026, law enforcement attempted to stop Morales-Ramos for speeding, but he fled on foot. A search of his vehicle turned up an open alcohol bottle, more alcohol, and a fictitious international driver’s license.
Morales-Ramos was later located at his residence on April 4, 2026, where he again tried to flee from law enforcement before being apprehended. Additional fictitious documentation was found in the residence. While in custody, officials determined that Morales-Ramos had previously been deported from the United States to Guatemala three times, with the most recent deportation occurring on June 13, 2019.
Morales-Ramos faces a possible sentence of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release. His sentencing will be set after a presentence report is prepared. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational crime. Morales-Ramos remains in custody pending sentencing.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Organized Crime
- Defendant: Iowa
- Location: IA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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