Jackson, Mississippi – Mexican National Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal Re-entry
Mexican national Luis Javier Sanchez-Zurita has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States after being previously convicted and deported for an aggravated felony. The 38-year-old from Oaxaca, Mexico, was apprehended on February 21, 2024, in Brandon, Mississippi, following a police stop for careless driving, driving under the influence, and endangerment of a child.
Sanchez-Zurita had a prior conviction for a crime of violence, which led to his deportation in 2017. He pleaded guilty on August 22, 2024, to the charge of illegal re-entry after his deportation linked to a state felony conviction for gratification of lust, a crime against children.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Mellissa B. Harper, Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans. The investigation was conducted by ICE ERO, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes leading the prosecution.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of federal authorities to enforce immigration laws and ensure the safety of communities. Sanchez-Zurita’s lengthy prison sentence underscores the consequences faced by individuals who attempt to illegally re-enter the United States after having been deported for serious offenses.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications tied to re-entry after deportation, particularly for individuals with violent criminal backgrounds. Federal authorities continue to prioritize the prosecution of such cases to maintain the rule of law and community safety.
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