Salvadoran serial criminal convicted of unlawful reentry after ICE Boston arrest

BOSTON — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation resulted in a federal conviction for an illegally present Salvadoran national who unlawfully reentered the United States after having previously been deported. Arsenio Valladares, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien July 7 at the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts.  

“Not only did Arsenio Valladares display a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws; his presence in our community placed the safety of our residents in danger,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He has been convicted of several violent crimes and represents a threat to our neighbors. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from New England.”

ICE deported Valladares from the United States April 23, 2008. Sometime after his removal, Valladares illegally reentered the United States without permission.

Prior to his removal, Valladares was convicted of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery, operating a vehicle under the influence, larceny and malicious destruction of property.

In November 2024, ICE Boston became aware of Valadares’ presence in the United States after being notified that his fingerprints were taken in connection with criminal charges in Massachusetts. Officers with ICE Boston arrested him on immigration charges March 18.

Valladares faces to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 at his sentencing hearing, scheduled for later this month. Furthermore, Valladares is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.