Mexican National Guilty Of Illegal Re-Entry

According to court documents, JORGE LUIS RUELAS-GUERRA, (“RUELAS-GUERRA”) reentered the United States after being previously deported on September 29, 2011. RUELAS-GUERRA, a Mexican national, was initially encountered by the Houma Police Department (HPD) on May 17, 2024, in Houma, Louisiana via a traffic stop after failing to stop at a stop sign. During the traffic stop, RUELAS-GUERRA presented a Mexican passport and stated he had no driver’s license. Body cam footage from the HPD officer identified RUELAS-GUERRA as the driver of the vehicle. Information provided during the traffic stop matched that of the Department of Homeland Security systems from his prior removals as well as his booking photos from prior arrests. Further, RUELAS-GUERRA had no record of immigration petitions or applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

RUELAS-GUERRA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Houma Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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