Illegal Alien Remanded to Immigration Authorities for Deportation Following Plea and Sentence in Federal Court

PITTSBURGH, PA - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry after deportation, and has been sentenced in federal court to time served, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Mario Rodriguez-Benhumea, age 30, of Mexico, who has been in United States custody since May 14, 2018. Judge Bissoon further ordered that, following service of the sentence of imprisonment, Rodriguez-Benhumea be remanded to the custody of federal immigration authorities for commencement of deportation proceedings.

According to information presented to the court, on May 14, 2018, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General conducted a knock and talk operation at a Pittsburgh residence allegedly being used to harbor and employ undocumented aliens. Rodriguez-Benhumea was arrested following the operation and charged with being an alien who had been previously deported from the United States on December 21, 2010, May 11, 2013, and May 17, 2013. Law enforcement also determined that Rodriguez-Benhumea did not receive permission to reenter the United States.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the ICE/HSI for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rodriguez-Benhumea.