A Mexican national has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Mario Alberto Almanzan-Mata, 23, pleaded guilty on August 28 to illegal reentry after being previously removed from the country. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton handed down a 72-month sentence and noted that Almanzan-Mata is not a U.S. citizen and will likely face removal proceedings after serving his prison term.
During the sentencing hearing, the court reviewed Almanzan-Mata’s criminal and immigration record, which includes convictions for evading law enforcement and domestic violence. The court also considered evidence of repeated violent behavior that posed a danger to the community. In issuing the sentence, Judge Tipton emphasized the seriousness of Almanzan-Mata’s criminal history.
Almanzan-Mata had been deported twice before, most recently on May 27. Authorities found him again on July 7 in Mission, Texas, where he admitted to having crossed into the country earlier that day near Hidalgo.
He remains in custody while awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
According to officials, this prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
