HARRISBURG, PA — Leonardo Mendoza-Zavala, a 44-year-old citizen of Mexico, faced the justice system yesterday for his brazen illegal reentry into the United States. Sentenced to seven months behind bars by Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, Mendoza-Zavala now pays for his audacious return to American soil.
Mendoza-Zavala’s previous brush with the law in Texas included convictions for attempt to take a weapon from an officer, resisting arrest, and terroristic threats. After these convictions, he was removed from the United States on January 6, 2020, through Laredo, Texas. However, his illegal return to the U.S. was short-lived as ICE agents nabbed him in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, on June 21, 2025.
The arrest took place in the parking lot of a local motel. Mendoza-Zavala’s case has been a collaborative effort between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, along with the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford prosecuted this case with determination.
This sentencing is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and protecting local communities from violent crime. The operation leverages resources from various Department of Justice task forces to streamline efforts in the fight against organized crime.
Mendoza-Zavala’s sentence sends a clear message about the consequences of illegal reentry into the United States. The Middle District of Pennsylvania’s commitment to justice and enforcement is unwavering, ensuring that those who flout immigration laws face serious repercussions.
For more information on Operation Take Back America, visit their official website.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- 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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