Vega-Villalba Charged with Illegal Reentry after Narcotics Conviction

Las Vegas – Maria Vega-Villalba, a 45-year-old Mexican national, has been arraigned in court for charges of illegal reentry into the United States. Vega-Villalba had previously been deported and removed from the country. She faces one count of being a deported alien found in the United States.

The defendant’s criminal history includes a conviction for Attempt Sale or Transportation for Sale of a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl) in Arizona, which led to her deportation on May 16, 2024. Vega-Villalba was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 21, 2025, just fifteen months after being expelled.

During her initial court appearance, a preliminary hearing is set for September 23, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J Albregts. If convicted, Vega-Villalba could face the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, supervised release, and a significant fine.

Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah and Acting Field Office Director Jason Knight announced the charges against Vega-Villalba. The case was investigated by the ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, with prosecution handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

Members of the public are encouraged to report crimes and suspicious activity through the 866-DHS-2-ICE hotline (866-347-2423) or online tip form. It’s important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Vega-Villalba is presumed innocent until proven guilty.