McALLEN, Texas - A 43-year-old Mexican national has been convicted of illegally reentering the United States without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane found Enrique Melendez-Saldivar guilty as charged following a one-hour bench trial.

On Dec. 19, 2024, authorities discovered Melendez-Saldivar as he attempted to illegally enter the country near Los Ebanos. At the time, the investigation revealed he was not a citizen of the United States.

Melendez-Saldivar has a prior conviction for illegal reentry and has been removed at least eight times.

Testimony also revealed Melendez-Saldivar tried to resist and evade arrest as authorities struggled to apprehend him in the South Texas brush.

The defense attempted to convince the court Melendez-Saldivar's rights were violated due to excessive use of force. Judge Crane did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

Sentencing has been set for July 21. At that time, Melendez-Saldivar faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Border Patrol and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.