Two Mexican Nationals Get Significant Sentences For Illegal Re-Entry

LAREDO, Texas – Carlos Aragon-Carrillo, 30, and Juan Garcia-Rodriguez, 49, both of Mexico, have been handed lengthy sentences following their convictions of illegal re-entry after deportation or removal in separate cases, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Aragon-Carrillo and Garcia-Rodriguez both entered guilty pleas May 13, 2014.

Today, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack sentenced Aragon-Carrillo to 77 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Aragon-Carrillo’s extensive criminal history. As he was on supervised release for another illegal re-entry conviction when committing this offense, the court also revoked that term and ordered he serve an additional 21 months to be served consecutively for a total of 98 month of imprisonment. 

Judge Jack also sentenced Garcia-Rodriguez today, ordering him to serve 120 months in federal prison. 

Following completion of their prison terms, both will once again be expected to face deportation proceedings.

On March 8, 2014, U.S. Border Patrol (BP) agents discovered Aragon-Carrillo in Laredo and soon determined he was a Mexican national and illegally present in the United States. Aragon-Carrillo has a long and extensive criminal history including four separate felony convictions involving firearm and fleeing from law enforcement. He had been deported to Mexico in 2011 following his release from prison for the prior illegal re-entry conviction. 

In a separate, but similar case, Garcia-Rodriguez was arrested by BP after being found in Laredo on Feb. 16, 2014. Agents learned he had prior felony convictions for second degree murder, assault and assault on a peace officer and had been deported just five days prior to being found by law enforcement in the U.S.

HSI and BP investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Sonah Lee prosecuted the case against Aragon-Carrillo, while AUSA Christopher A. dos Santos handed the case against Garcia-Rodriguez.