Mexican national previously deported multiple times arrested for illegal re-entry

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Juan Vera-Cervantes, 45, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of removed aliens, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 25, 2025, Border Patrol agents observed a white cargo van with a Tennessee license plate traveling on the I 490. A check of the license plate revealed that Vera-Cervantes was the registered owner of the vehicle, and he had been previously deported multiple times from the United States and had his final order of removal reinstated on three different occasions. During a traffic stop of the vehicle, Vera-Cervantes stated that he is a citizen and national of Mexico without immigration documents to be in the United States legally. He was placed under arrest.

Vera-Cervantes made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained.

The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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