Repeat illegal reentry lands four-time DUI offender in federal prison

HOUSTON - A 38-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States for the third time, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Odon Chavez-Esquivel pleaded guilty Sept. 30, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen has now ordered Chavez-Esquivel to serve 21 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

Chavez-Esquivel has multiple previous convictions for illegal reentry and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Authorities first removed Chavez-Esquivel from the United States in May 2003. He later returned illegally in April 2011 and August 2012. Most recently, authorities found him again in the United States in August 2022 following a fourth conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Chavez-Esquivel has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration Customs Enforcement - Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Law prosecuted 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