FRANKLIN COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI – In a stern reminder of the federal government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal immigration, Francisco Rios-Munoz, a Mexican national, faced justice today as he was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his brazen attempt to reenter the United States. This marks Rios-Munoz’s fourth illegal entry into the country after having been deported three times.
Rios-Munoz’s illegal presence in Rankin County came to light on February 2, 2025, when he was apprehended by the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department for aggravated assault. His defiance of U.S. immigration laws only solidified his fate as a federal offense.
The 36-year-old was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 22, 2025, and pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after removal of an alien on June 6, 2025. The sentence handed down today is the culmination of a thorough investigation led by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Rankin County Sherriff’s Office.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi announced the sentence, emphasizing that such actions are not tolerated in the United States. Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana, also contributed to the announcement, highlighting the collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels, and protecting communities from violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber S. Jones prosecuted the case with determination, ensuring that Rios-Munoz faced the consequences of his actions.
Operation Take Back America, led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, represents a united front against transnational criminal organizations. The Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), established by Executive Order 14159, is instrumental in this fight, streamlining efforts to protect American citizens.
RELATED: Mexican National Francisco Rios-Munoz Sentenced for Illegal Reentry
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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