Convicted felon from Mexico sentenced to 30 months for illegally re-entering US

BISMARCK, N.D. – A convicted felon from Mexico was sentenced Monday to 2 1/2 years in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States after having been twice deported. This sentence resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and Mercer County Sheriff's Office.

Osbaldo Carrillo-Peralta, 37, of Mexico, pleaded guilty and was sentenced Aug. 20 by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to 30 months in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States as a previously deported felon.

Carrillo-Peralta was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation April 18 in Mercer County, N.D. After a records check, ERO officials discovered that Carrillo-Peralta is an illegal alien from Mexico. He was convicted of deadly conduct/discharging a firearm in Texas state court in December 1998. After serving a prison sentence on the Texas conviction, he was deported May 14, 2002.

Afterwards, Carrillo-Peralta illegally re-entered the United States and was later convicted of possessing cocaine, in Texas state court in April 2010. He was again deported May 28, 2010.

Anyone who re-enters the United States after having been previously deported commits a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

"In addition to his extensive criminal history, Mr. Carrillo-Peralta repeatedly returned to the United States after being deported," said Scott Baniecke, field office director for ERO St. Paul. "This prison sentence helps send the message that there are serious consequences for those who show no respect for our nation's laws or our borders."

U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon, District of North Dakota, said, "The federal prosecution of felons like Carrillo-Peralta who choose to illegally enter the United States over and over again is an important part of keeping our communities safe. The federal prison sentence imposed here should send the message that the U.S. Attorney's Office takes its responsibility to protect our communities seriously."

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler, District of North Dakota, prosecuted this case.