Mexican National Sentenced For Felony Reentry of a Removed Alien

HAMMOND - Jose Zapata-Ramirez, 35 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of a removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Zapata-Ramirez was sentenced to time served of approximately four months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release which would take effect should Zapata-Ramirez remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following anticipated removal proceedings.

"Zapata-Ramirez was stopped by the Porter Police Department for committing a traffic violation with a fictitious Texas license plate affixed to the back of his vehicle. An investigation revealed that he was an illegal alien who was previously deported in April 2014. By his own admission, he returned to the United States in 2022 without inspection by an immigration officer. He clearly has no respect for our nation's laws, borders, or sovereignty. Once he is released, Zapata-Ramirez must return to his home country and not return to the United States illegally. Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Porter Police Department, and Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa, this defendant has been held accountable," said U.S. Attorney Mildred.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Porter Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Lupa.