Mexican national who had previously assaulted public servant imprisoned for illegal reentry

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 26-year-old convicted felon who is a Mexican national has been sentenced for unlawfully reentering the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Abelino Hernandez-Torres pleaded guilty Nov. 26, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Hernandez-Torres to serve 60 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. 

Hernandez-Torres has prior convictions for illegal reentry as well as evading arrest with a motor vehicle and assault on a public servant. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2015 and again in 2019 and May 2, 2020, and returned illegally. He was found in Olmito following his arrest for evading arrest with a motor vehicle Jan. 20, 2021.

Hernandez-Torres will remain in custody transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano 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.