Tejada Morillo Faces Decades for Repeat Entry

NEW ORLEANS – Melvin Jose Tejada Morillo, 35, is staring down a potential prison sentence of up to 22 years after admitting to illegally re-entering the United States. The Honduran national pled guilty on July 8, 2025, to violating Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b)(2) – the federal statutes covering illegal re-entry of a removed alien.

According to the indictment, Morillo wasn’t a first-time offender. He brazenly crossed the border again after being previously deported on March 21, 2016. This isn’t a simple immigration violation; it’s a direct flouting of federal law and a slap in the face to the system.

The feds aren’t playing around. While the standard sentence for illegal re-entry carries a maximum of two years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, Morillo’s past is coming back to haunt him. A prior felony conviction triggers a sentencing enhancement that could add up to 20 years to his term. Add to that a year of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, and you’re looking at a hefty price to pay for ignoring a deportation order.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson was quick to praise the work of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in bringing Morillo to justice. “This case demonstrates our commitment to securing the border and holding accountable those who attempt to circumvent our immigration laws,” a statement from the US Attorney’s office read. Assistant United States Attorney Tiwana Wright is handling the prosecution.

This case is conveniently slotted into “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative that sounds more like political rhetoric than effective law enforcement. The Department of Justice claims it’s marshaling resources to “repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels,” and protect communities. It’s a broad sweep, utilizing funds from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Whether “Operation Take Back America” is a genuine effort to curb crime or a public relations stunt remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Melvin Jose Tejada Morillo will likely spend a significant portion of his future behind bars for his decision to ignore a deportation order and return to the United States. Sentencing is pending, but the writing is on the wall: this isn’t a slap on the wrist.