Guatemalan National Faces Decade in Prison for Repeat Illegal Entry

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Edin Julian Hernandez Mejia, 22, is facing serious federal charges after being arrested for illegally re-entering the United States. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Hernandez Mejia, a citizen and national of Guatemala, has been charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case unfolded on August 5, 2025, when Hernandez Mejia was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by law enforcement. According to the complaint, he readily admitted to being a Guatemalan national without legal status in the U.S. This wasn’t his first encounter with the American justice system; records show Hernandez Mejia was physically removed from the United States on two separate occasions – in February and March of 2024. He apparently learned nothing from those experiences.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith is prosecuting the case, and he’s not pulling any punches. This prosecution is being framed as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a sweeping, nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice. The stated goal? To “repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” It’s a tough-on-borders stance, and Hernandez Mejia is squarely in the crosshairs.

Hernandez Mejia made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., who promptly ordered him detained. The prosecution clearly isn’t taking any chances. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks, who have been working to track and apprehend repeat offenders like Hernandez Mejia.

This isn’t just about one man; it’s about sending a message. Federal authorities are signaling they intend to aggressively pursue those who attempt to circumvent immigration laws. The DOJ is keen to highlight this case as an example of their commitment to border security and dismantling criminal networks that facilitate illegal immigration.

It’s crucial to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Hernandez Mejia is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, with a potential ten-year sentence hanging over his head, his legal battle will be a long and arduous one. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

RELATED: Guatemalan Congressman Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Cocaine Conspiracy

RELATED: Felix Figueroa-Sanchez Gets 8 Months for ID Fraud, Illegal Reentry

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