ALBANY, NEW YORK – In a gritty turn of events, Hector Gabriel Magana Jeronimo, a 44-year-old citizen of El Salvador, has pled guilty to illegal re-entry as an aggravated felon. This admission comes after the defendant’s arrest on December 15, 2024, for driving while intoxicated in Ulster County, New York.
Magana Jeronimo was originally removed from the United States in 2010 following multiple convictions in California for possession of a firearm by a felon. His latest violation occurred when he was apprehended by the Lloyd Town Police for his DWI charge.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Steve Kurzdorfer, Buffalo Field Office Director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO), emphasized the collaborative effort between local law enforcement and federal agencies in bringing this criminal to justice. Sarcone III stated, ‘Magana Jeronimo is a dangerous criminal who has shown disregard for our immigration laws. His capture is a testament to the effectiveness of teamwork between local police and ICE.’
Kurzdorfer added, ‘Jeronimo’s plea highlights the serious consequences faced by those who violate U.S. immigration law. His flagrant disregard for deportation orders cannot be tolerated and underscores the importance of our Enforcement and Removal Operations in New York.’
Magana Jeronimo is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2025, where he faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. His prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
This case serves as a stark reminder that illegal re-entry is a federal crime with severe penalties, emphasizing the commitment of ICE-ERO and local law enforcement to protect public safety and uphold immigration laws.
RELATED: El Salvadoran Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry
RELATED: Oxycodone Trafficker Umanzor Faces Federal Time for Illegal Reentry
Related Federal Cases
- AG James vs. Fed’s Illegal Guard Deployment · Pennsylvania
- Attorney General James Triumphs in Suit Against Trump Admin Over Illegal Medical Research Funding Cuts · New Jersey
- James Blocks President’s Illegal Vote Grab · Illinois
- James Slams Trump for Illegal Guard Deployment · North Carolina
- James Stops HUD’s Illegal Move on Homeless Fund · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More

