ZELAYA-ZELAYA Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry

DERY JONCARLOS ZELAYA-ZELAYA, a 28-year-old native of Honduras, has pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). This guilty plea is the result of a thorough investigation by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations.

According to court documents, ZELAYA-ZELAYA was previously removed from the United States on May 13, 2022, and December 4, 2019, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to re-enter. This blatant disregard for the law has resulted in ZELAYA-ZELAYA facing serious consequences.

United States District Judge Susie Morgan has set sentencing for August 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. ZELAYA-ZELAYA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. The severity of these penalties reflects the seriousness with which the court views this offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these law enforcement officials.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The guilty plea of DERY JONCARLOS ZELAYA-ZELAYA serves as a warning to those who would seek to flaunt the law and disregard the sovereignty of the United States. The Department of Justice will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in this type of criminal activity, and to protect the citizens of this country from the dangers posed by illegal immigration.