Honduran national admits to illegally reentering U.S. for the ninth time

HOUSTON - A 50-year-old man illegally residing in Houston has pleaded guilty to unlawfully reentering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Danilo Nunez-Avila has multiple prior convictions for illegal reentry and was first removed from the United States in 1991. Court records show authorities have removed him from the country at least eight times.

On Oct. 29, 2024, authorities discovered Nunez-Avila again in the United States after responding to a reported assault involving a family member.

U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and set sentencing for March 21. At that time, Nunez-Avila faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Nunez-Avila has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ekua Assabill is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.