Mexican Illegal Alien Charged With Illegal Re-Entry

Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury indicted a Mexican illegal alien today, in connection with illegal re-entry charges.

Fortunado Cuatlatl-Flores, aka Furtunado Cuatlatl-Cuatle, 44, is charged with illegally re-entering the United States after he was previously removed from the country following a conviction for an aggravated felony.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) - Baltimore Field Office.

According to court documents, on February 20, 2026, law enforcement encountered Cuatlatl-Flores in Wicomico County, Maryland, while performing an area-enforcement operation. After encountering Cuatlatl-Flores, law enforcement checked the license plate and registration on the vehicle the illegal alien was driving.

When ICE-ERO officers investigated further, they discovered a restriction code that indicated that Cuatlatl-Flores may not be legally present in the United States. ICE-ERO officers then conducted a vehicle stop.

During a brief investigative interview, Cuatlatl-Flores provided a Mexican voter identification card, with the name 'Fortunato Cuatlatl' on it, affirming his identity. Cuatlatl-Flores also admitted he is a citizen and national of Mexico who entered the U.S. without permission. Based on Cuatlatl-Flores's admission, and confirmation of his identity, law enforcement took him into custody. Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered Cuatlatl-Flores was previously removed from the U.S. twice, following a felony child sexual abuse conviction.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Cuatlatl-Flores faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended Salisbury ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills who is prosecuting the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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