Federal grand juries in the Northern District of Alabama have indicted several illegal aliens after illegal reentry to the country after deportation or for being an alien in possession of a firearm.
Others have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal immigration-connected charges.
“Keeping our communities safe is our top priority,” U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona said. “My office is focused on prosecuting individuals who are in our country illegally, especially those who engage in federal crimes. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.”
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“The charges and sentences announced today highlight the importance of pursuing criminals who violate our nation’s immigration laws and threaten public safety,” Steven N. Schrank, special agent in charge of HSI Atlanta that covers Alabama and Georgia, said. “HSI and our partners remain steadfast in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting illegal aliens who engage in criminal activity, unlawfully possess firearms or commit violence across our communities.”
Those indicted in November, December and January include:
Elbio Byron Cuz-Chub, 22, of Guatemala, who was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm;
Edgar Bayardo Madriz-Morales, 64, of Nicaragua, who was charged with illegal reentry after deportation;
Jorge Campos-Xochihua, 31, of Mexico, who was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm; and
Abraham Lopez-Ramirez, 48, of Mexico, who was charged with illegal reentry after deportation.
Several other illegal aliens recently have been sentenced or pleaded guilty to federal immigration-related charges. Those include:
Juan Manuel Salas-Sanchez, 43, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 135 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being an alien in possession of a firearm;
Marvin Ernesto Clemente, 38, of El Salvador, who was sentenced to 36 months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation;
Raul Edgardo Jimenez-Cruz, 38, of Honduras, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and illegal reentry after deportation;
Jesus Daniel Bibiano-Ruiz, 28, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to being an alien in possession of a firearm;
Alvaro Amezcua-Gonzalez, 48, of Mexico, who was sentenced to 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to being an alien in possession of a firearm; and
Clemente Aguilera-Castaneda, 55, of Mexico, who pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after deportation. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern District of Alabama will regularly train attorneys, federal agents, and state and local law enforcement partners to assist them in investigating and prosecuting immigration offenses in federal court.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
