Four Illegal Aliens With Prior Felony Convictions and Multiple Deportations Charged for Illegally Reentering the United States

LAS VEGAS - Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Laurentino Salvador Juarez-Martinez; Serguio Raudel Contreras-Torres; Brandon Castanon-Bautista; and Pablo Covarrubias-Islas are all charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for all defendants are scheduled for April 20, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, all four defendants are citizens and nationals of Mexico who were previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.

On March 27, 2024, Juarez-Martinez was arrested for two counts of Possess Controlled Substance; four counts of Possess for Sale Controlled Substance; two counts of Trafficking Controlled Substance; and Operate Place for Sale/Use/Gift of Controlled Substances. On April 1, 2026, after serving a 24-to-60-month sentence for drug trafficking, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Juarez-Martinez to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Juarez-Martinez was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on seven prior occasions: on or about July 6, 2010; October 14, 2010; May 14, 2012; October 9, 2012; April 13, 2015; December 13, 2016; and September 18, 2019. Juarez-Martinez has two prior felony convictions for Deported Alien Found Unlawfully in the United States, the same offense he is currently charged with.

On April 2, 2026, Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Contreras-Torres to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada, after Contreras-Torres served a 14-to-48-month sentence for the felony offense of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell. On September 21, 2021, officers with the North Las Vegas Police Department arrested Contreras-Torres for Trafficking a Controlled Substance. Contreras-Torres failed to show for his court appearance and a warrant was issued. On September 9, 2025, ICE Fugitive Operations Team arrested Contreras-Torres in Las Vegas, Nevada, and turned him over to face his state drug charges. Contreras-Torres was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: December 22, 2018, and December 27, 2018. Contreras-Torres also has two prior misdemeanor drug convictions.

On November 23, 2025, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Castanon-Bautista for two counts of Robbery with a Deadly Weapon; Burglary while in Possession of Firearm; and Carry Concealed Weapon Without a Permit. On March 28, 2026, the Clark County Detention Center remanded Castanon-Bautista to ICE Las Vegas, Nevada, custody based on an immigration detainer. Castanon-Bautista was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: October 3, 2023, and July 1, 2024. Castanon-Bautista has a felony conviction for Larceny from Person. Castanon-Bautista's other convictions include attempted Grand Larceny, Assault, and two separate drug related offenses.

On March 22, 2025, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Covarrubias-Islas for Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and two counts of Possess to Sell Controlled Substance. On March 27, 2026, Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Covarrubias-Islas to ICE custody at Las Vegas, Nevada, based on an immigration detainer. Covarrubias-Islas was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on three prior occasions: July 19, 2015, November 12, 2015, and September 4, 2018.

If convicted, Juarez-Martinez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, Contreras-Torres, Castanon-Bautista, and Covarrubias-Islas all face a maximum statutory penalty of 2 years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the cases; and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the cases.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

These cases are 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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