Press Release
Jury Convicts Undocumented Alien for Illegal Re-entry
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas - A 40-year-old Mexican national has been convicted of illegally re-entering the country after removal or deportation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury sitting in McAllen deliberated for approximately 30 minutes before finding Rogelio Rodriguez guilty.
During the trial, Border Patrol (BP) agents testified that Rodriguez had been apprehended near Donna on April 24, 2016, and admitted to being a Mexican national. Record checks revealed Rodriguez had been previously removed from the United States on three separate occasions and that he had no lawful status to be in the United States.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa presided over the trial and set sentencing for Oct. 27, 2017, at which time Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
U.S. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rees is prosecuting the case.
Updated August 24, 2017
Topic
Immigration
Component