Mexican citizen sentenced for illegally reentering the country for third time

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 42-year-old man from Aldamas, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of illegal reentry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Alfredo Balderas-Rivera pleaded guilty Aug. 29, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Balderas-Rivera to serve 50 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, Balderas-Rivera also admitted he violated his supervised release for his original offense of illegal reentry. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his prior criminal record and that there is no excuse or reasoning to enter the United States illegally.

Balderas-Rivera has a conviction for illegal reentry. He was first removed in 2016 with a subsequent removal in 2018 and 2023.

Authorities found Balderas-Rivera in Cameron County March 30, 2024. He had been in custody for allegedly committing fraud  and assault bodily injury.

Balderas-Rivera admitted he was a citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States illegally in March 2024. He had no immigration documents to be legally present or remain in the United States.

Balderas-Rivera has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case.

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.