Salvadoran national sentenced to three years in prison for illegally reentering the United States after attempted murder conviction

RICHMOND, Va. – A Salvadoran national was sentenced today to three years in prison for illegally reentering the United States.

According to court documents, Melvin Mauricio Valencia Gil first illegally entered the United States before 2017. On July 29, 2017, Valencia Gil engaged in an argument with another person, then brandished an illegally possessed firearm, which he pointed at the victim’s head and pulled the trigger. The gun did not fire. Valencia Gil retreated to his vehicle to reload the firearm, then fired at the victim but missed.

On Aug. 20, 2018, Valencia Gil was convicted in Nassau County, New York, of attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment. On Dec. 9, 2020, Valencia Gil, a member of the Latin Kings gang, was ordered removed from the United States. After completing his state sentence, on Nov. 26, 2021, Valencia Gil was removed to El Salvador and was informed that he was prohibited from reentering the United States.

Less than a week after his removal, Valencia Gil left El Salvador and illegally reentered the United States. On March 18, 2023, Valencia Gil was involved in a car accident on 1-95 South near Spotsylvania. Valencia Gil provided a Salvadorian identification card with a home address in Richmond. Valencia Gil was issued two traffic citations and released.

On May 2, 2023, Valencia Gil was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry. On Sept. 10, 2023, he was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, violent felon in possession of a weapon, and brandishing a firearm. On Nov. 23, 2023, he was convicted of assault and battery and sentenced to one year with six months suspended. In December 2023, Valencia Gil completed his state sentence and entered the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Liana Castano, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea M. Gibbons prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-54.