Corpus Christi, TX – A 53-year-old man from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison for unlawfully reentering the country for the 4th time, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Rafael Cortez-Gonzalez pleaded guilty May 1, 2024. U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered him to serve 39 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
At the hearing, the court heard about Cortez-Gonzalez’s prior criminal record, including three prior felony convictions. In handing down the sentence, the court noted this sentence will hopefully serve as a deterrence.
Cortez-Gonzalez had two previous felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as for transporting an illegal alien within the United States. He was first removed in November 2000 and illegally returned three times. Authorities discovered him again on February 12, 2024, in Kenedy County with no authorization to be there.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Rafael Cortez-Gonzalez, a 53-year-old man from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The defendant, Rafael Cortez-Gonzalez, was charged with unlawful reentry, a federal crime. The crime date was February 12, 2024. The sentence is 39 months in federal prison.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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