Mexican National Hit with Illegal Reentry Charge in PA

HARRISBURG, PA – Leonardo Mendoza-Zavala, a 44-year-old citizen of Mexico, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania on a charge of illegal reentry. The feds allege Mendoza-Zavala was found in Lebanon County on or about June 21, 2025, after already being kicked out of the country.

Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus laid out the details: Mendoza-Zavala was previously removed from the United States on January 6, 2020, through Laredo, Texas. He then allegedly decided to ignore the law and sneak back in, all without bothering to get legal permission. This isn’t a simple border crossing issue; it’s a direct flouting of federal law.

The investigation, a joint effort between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, paints a picture of a deliberate attempt to circumvent U.S. immigration laws. These aren’t accidental overstays; it’s a calculated move, and the feds are coming down hard.

This case isn’t being handled in isolation. It’s part of the larger “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Department of Justice. The stated goal? To “repel the invasion of illegal immigration,” dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from violent crime. The operation consolidates resources from both the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

If convicted, Mendoza-Zavala is looking at a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars, followed by a term of supervised release, and a hefty fine. However, the final decision rests with the judge, who will consider federal sentencing statutes and guidelines before handing down a sentence. Remember, an indictment is merely an accusation.

As with all criminal cases, Mendoza-Zavala is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case, and the Grimy Times will continue to follow the developments as they unfold. This case highlights the ongoing struggle to secure the border and enforce immigration laws, a struggle that shows no signs of slowing down.

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