HARRISBURG – In a move to combat illegal immigration, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has taken a significant step forward. Juan Ramos-Abarca, a 49-year-old Mexican citizen, has been sentenced to seven months in prison for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Ramos-Abarca was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for various driving offenses in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in September 2021. This arrest led to a deeper investigation into Ramos-Abarca’s past, revealing that he had previously been removed from the United States on several occasions. In 2011, he was convicted of illegal reentry, a charge that would come back to haunt him years later.
Last month, Ramos-Abarca pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to being sentenced. This guilty plea marked a significant turning point in the case, paving the way for the harsh sentence that followed. United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson handed down the seven-month prison sentence, a decision that sent a strong message about the consequences of violating immigration laws.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), a specialized agency that deals with immigration-related crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case, bringing Ramos-Abarca to justice for his crimes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has made it clear that they will not tolerate illegal immigration in their district. This sentence is a testament to their commitment to upholding the law and protecting the citizens of Pennsylvania.
Ramos-Abarca faces deportation proceedings, a consequence that will likely follow his prison sentence. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against him, paving the way for his removal from the country.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and protecting communities from violent crime. This operation streamlines efforts and resources from various agencies, including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
In conclusion, the sentencing of Juan Ramos-Abarca serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating immigration laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has sent a strong message, making it clear that they will not tolerate illegal immigration in their district.
Defendant: Juan Ramos-Abarca
Criminal Charges: Illegal Reentry
City and State: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Exact Date: November 20, 2025 (sentencing)
Sentence: Seven months in prison
Defendant’s Age: 49
Defendant’s Nationality: Mexican
ICE Detainer: Lodged against Ramos-Abarca for deportation proceedings
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Immigration
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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