Guatemalan national sentenced after multiple removals from the United States

HOUSTON - A 53-year-old Guatemalan national has been ordered to federal prison following his third conviction for illegally reentering the country.

Hector Alexander Cabrera pleaded guilty July 27.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks ordered Cabrera to serve 63 months in federal prison. As an illegal alien, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

Cabrera has two prior convictions for illegal reentry, as well as convictions for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest or detention, criminal mischief, burglary of a vehicle, theft, and assault.

Authorities first removed Cabrera from the United States in September 2006. Despite multiple subsequent removals, he continued to return illegally.

On Aug. 19, 2024, law enforcement again discovered Cabrera in Houston without authorization to be in the United States.

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

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