2 Mexican nationals receive significant federal prison sentences in south Texas for illegally re-entering the US after being deported

LAREDO, Texas — Two Mexican men were sentenced Wednesday in separate cases to lengthy prison sentences following their convictions for illegally re-entering the United Stated after having been deported. 

These sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas. These investigations were conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol.

Carlos Aragon-Carrillo, 30, and Juan Garcia-Rodriguez, 49, both Mexican citizens illegally residing in Laredo, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack. Judge Jack sentenced Aragon-Carrillo to 77 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court noted Aragon-Carrillo’s extensive criminal history. He was on supervised release for another illegal re-entry conviction when he committed this latest offense. The court revoked that term and sentenced Aragon-Carrillo to an additional 21 months to be served consecutively for a total of 98 months in federal prison. 

According to court documents, on March 8, CBP discovered Aragon-Carrillo in Laredo and determined he was illegally present in the United States. While Aragon-Carrillo was being processed, Border Patrol agents learned about his extensive criminal history ranging from a felon illegally possessing a firearm, to fleeing from law enforcement. Aragon-Carrillo was last deported in 2011 following his release from prison for his prior conviction for illegally re-entering the United States.

Judge Jack also sentenced Garcia-Rodriguez Jan. 28 to 120 months in federal prison.  Garcia-Rodriguez was arrested by Border Patrol agents after being found in Laredo Feb. 16. CBP learned he had prior felony convictions for second-degree murder, assault and assault on a peace officer. They also learned that Garcia-Rodriguez had been deported just five days before being encountered by U.S. law enforcement.

Aragon-Carrillo and Garcia-Rodriguez both pleaded guilty to their criminal charges May 13. As illegal aliens, both will face deportation proceedings following their release from prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonah Lee and Christopher A. dos Santos, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted these cases.