Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After Ten Removals

HONOLULU – A 52-year-old Mexican national named Navor Salas Cruz faced federal justice after a staggering career of illegal reentry. Yesterday, in a federal court hearing, U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson sentenced him to 54 months behind bars followed by three years of supervised release for the charge of illegal reentry and remaining in the United States.

Salas Cruz’s criminal saga began to unravel during a 2024 Kauai arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Court records show that between 1997 and 2020, he was removed from the U.S. to Mexico ten times. His rap sheet reads like a horror story: three prior driving while under the influence arrests, fourteen contempt of court arrests, and a litany of convictions including abuse of a household member, assault, violation of a protective order, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and his third federal conviction for illegal reentry.

At sentencing, Judge Watson made it clear that he saw little respect for the law in Salas Cruz’s actions. “It’s clear you do not respect our laws,” the judge said, “given your extensive criminal history.” Watson emphasized that Salas Cruz has learned precious little over his 25 years and his prior crimes have put the public at risk.

“This prosecution and lengthy sentence deliver the clear message that when you come to Hawaii as an illegal alien and repeatedly violate our nation’s laws, you will be federally prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will not tolerate those who exploit our borders and endanger our citizens.” The case was a joint effort by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching led the prosecution, and this case is part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ initiative aimed at repelling illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.

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