United Kingdom National Charged with Unlawful Entry

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Danny Gabriel Rooney, 19, of the United Kingdom, has been charged by criminal complaint with entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities.

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Rooney appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Rooney be detained during the pendency of this matter. According to court documents, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Rooney after he was observed walking southbound in an area of Highgate, Vermont, that is frequently travelled by persons attempting to enter the United States illegally from Canada. Law enforcement’s records review revealed that Rooney has no legal status in the United States.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Rooney is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Rooney faces up to six months’ incarceration if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Rooney is represented by Stephanie M. Greenlees , Esq.

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 (TCOs), 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).