Mexican national receives 66 months following conviction for illegally reentering country for 4th time

Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 44-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for entering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Wilfredo Sanchez pleaded guilty May 22.

U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge has now ordered him to serve 66 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court considered his previous convictions and the dangerousness of his crimes, lack of respect for the law and need for deterrence.

Sanchez has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as burglary of habitation and evading arrest with a motor vehicle. He was first removed in 2007 and illegally returned four times, most recently in February 2022. Authorities discovered him in Harris County following an arrest for evading detention.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brooke Fuselier and Carrie Law 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.