Honduran Re-Entry: Colindres-Ortiz Gets Time-Served

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Justice, of a sort, was served today in the case of Alex Omar Colindres-Ortiz, 33, a Honduran national caught flouting U.S. immigration law. Colindres-Ortiz was sentenced to time-served in federal court after pleading to the charge of re-entry into the United States following his deportation.

U.S. District Judge R. Mark Hornak handed down the sentence, bringing a close – though hardly a resolution – to a case highlighting the ongoing struggle to control the nation’s borders. The 33-year-old Colindres-Ortiz, formerly of Choluteca, Honduras, had been previously removed from the United States on September 3, 2010. He was discovered in New Castle, Lawrence County, on December 5, 2012, with no legal authorization to be back on U.S. soil.

The indictment detailed a straightforward violation of federal law. Once deported, Colindres-Ortiz had no legal pathway back into the country without express permission from immigration authorities. His presence in New Castle, nearly two and a half years after his removal, constituted the crime. While the sentence is ‘time-served’ – meaning he’s received credit for time already spent in custody – it’s a clear signal that such violations, even if resulting in minimal additional jail time, won’t be ignored.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai handled the prosecution, building the case against Colindres-Ortiz. The relatively swift resolution suggests a lack of complicating factors in the case; it was a clear-cut instance of illegal reentry. However, the case underscores the constant flow of individuals attempting to circumvent the established immigration process.

U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton was quick to praise the collaborative effort that led to the conviction. He specifically commended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Pennsylvania State Police for their work in the investigation. The successful prosecution of Alex Omar Colindres-Ortiz, Hickton stated, is a testament to the dedication of these agencies.

The ‘time-served’ sentence raises questions about the effectiveness of current penalties for illegal reentry. While Colindres-Ortiz will likely face renewed deportation proceedings, the short sentence does little to deter others contemplating a similar path. The Grimy Times will continue to follow immigration enforcement trends and report on the realities of border security in the region.