2 felons sentenced for illegal reentry into the country

McALLEN, Texas – Two foreign nationals have been ordered to federal prison for returning to the United States without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Porfirio Martinez-Santos, 55, Mexico, pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024, while Juan Esteban Zelaya-Hernandez, 42, Honduras, admitted his guilt Jan. 31.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Martinez-Santos and Zelaya-Hernandez to serve 42 and 21 months in federal prison, respectively. At their hearings, the court heard additional evidence regarding both men’s criminal histories. Zelaya-Hernandez has two convictions from 2023 for possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal reentry. In handing down the sentences, Judge Crane noted Martinez-Santos had previously served a 37-month sentence for illegal reentry.

Both are again expected to face removal proceedings following their prison terms.

Law enforcement found Martinez-Santos near Cuevitas Oct. 4, 2024, while they discovered Zelaya-Hernandez near La Homa the following month. Both had claimed they had illegally entered the United States on the same day of their respective discoveries near Hidalgo.

The investigation revealed Zelaya-Hernandez had been ordered removed in August 2024 after serving a federal prison sentence for two felonies. Martinez-Santos was removed in 2023.

Both men have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Border Patrol conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Avery Benitez prosecuted the cases.

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 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.