Multiple illegal entry and immigration cases result in sentences across Eastern District of Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia – Federal authorities have announced new developments in seven immigration-related cases as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws. The cases, involving individuals from countries including El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Kenya, and Honduras, reflect a growing push to prosecute illegal reentry and document fraud violations in accordance with executive orders signed earlier this year.
According to U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, these cases demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to protecting national security and public safety.
In January, the President signed executive orders under the names Protecting the American People Against Invasion and Securing Our Borders. These directives stress the need to prioritize prosecution of those who illegally enter or remain in the United States, and those who aid them in doing so.
Repeat Illegal Reentries Lead to Charges and Sentences
The first of the cases involved Oscar Adolfo Serpas Cruz, a 39-year-old Salvadoran national. Serpas Cruz had been removed from the United States twice before reentering illegally again. Following an arrest in Arlington County, Serpas Cruz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served on April 24. He remains subject to the original removal order.
Similarly, Juan Manuel Rocha-Romo, a 31-year-old Mexican national, illegally reentered after two previous removals. Arrested again in 2023, Rocha-Romo pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing scheduled for July 9.
In a third case, Jaime Lopez-Yanes, 25, from Guatemala, had been removed twice before illegally returning to the United States. Following his arrest related to felony strangulation, Lopez-Yanes admitted guilt and remains subject to removal.
Another serious case involved Saul Recinos Dueñas, a 47-year-old Salvadoran national. Removed in 2008, he reentered illegally and was later arrested in Fairfax County on felony rape charges. He pleaded guilty in April to illegal reentry and awaits further legal action.
Fraudulent Document Use and Violence Bring Severe Penalties
In February 2025, Christin Nyabate Nyandemo, 33, a Kenyan national, arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport using her sister’s passport and travel visa. A search revealed she carried additional fraudulent documents. Nyandemo pleaded guilty to attempting to use a passport intended for someone else.
Meanwhile, Marcos Gregorio Mateo, 35, of Mexico, had a violent criminal history after reentering the country illegally. He had been convicted multiple times for assault and other offenses. Mateo pleaded guilty to illegal reentry in January and was sentenced to eight months in prison in April. He is still subject to a standing removal order.
Finally, Enrique Ortiz-Hernandez, a Honduran national, previously sentenced for illegal reentry and failing to register as a sex offender, illegally returned again after deportation. Found in Louisiana, Ortiz-Hernandez was sentenced on April 24 to one year in prison for violating his supervised release conditions.
Operation Take Back America Targets Repeat Offenders
All of these cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative aimed at eliminating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The program is designed to protect communities from violent offenders and ensure those who disregard removal orders face consequences.
“These cases show that violating our immigration laws repeatedly will result in aggressive prosecution,” stated U.S. Attorney Siebert.
Authorities emphasized that national security and public safety remain top priorities. While some of the individuals sentenced will soon face removal again, others face additional prison time for document fraud or for violating release conditions.
With multiple repeat offenders now sentenced and removed from communities, federal officials reaffirm their commitment to carrying out immigration laws firmly and consistently across Virginia and the nation.
