Mexican National Sentenced to 24 Months for Third Illegal Reentry

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Citizen of Mexico, illegally residing in Charlottesville, Virginia, who was previously removed from the United States on at least three occasions, was sentenced this week to 24 months in federal prison for illegal reentry of a previously removed alien.

Jose Luis Saavedra-Escamirosa, 36, pled guilty recently in U.S. District Court in Charlottesville.

“Illegal reentry into the United States is a federal felony offense,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “This office will affirmatively prosecute those who violate the immigration laws of the United States.”

Saavedra-Escamirosa was arrested in April 2025 by the Virginia State Police and charged with driving under the influence. According to court documents, Saavedra-Escamirosa was in a vehicle stopped in the median on I-64 following a vehicle accident. He had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and smelled strongly of alcohol.

Further investigation revealed that Saavedra-Escamirosa was first removed from the United States in 2011. He illegally returned to the United States and in 2014 was convicted of two drug offenses in Colorado. Immigration officials once again removed Saavedra-Escamirosa to Mexico.

He again returned to the United States. In 2016, Saavedra-Escamirosa was convicted of illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas and sentenced to 20 months in prison. After serving his sentence, he was once again removed to Mexico in January 2018.

Undeterred, Saavedra-Escamirosa, returned to the United States yet again where he lived illegally until his arrest for DUI in Virginia in April 2025.

Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Homeland Security Investigations – Harrisonburg- investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case for the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).