Rodrigo Valdovinos-Hernandez, a 38-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced for the third time for being in the U.S. illegally. According to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada, Valdovinos-Hernandez, who also goes by the aliases "Rodrigo Tejada-Valdovinos" and "Rodrigo Valdovinos," was sentenced on Monday to time served after spending roughly 18 months in federal custody.
Valdovinos-Hernandez's latest run-in with the law began with his arrest by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on undisclosed state charges, leading to his discovery by officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 25, 2023. Despite his two prior deportations in September 2009 and November 2012, Valdovinos-Hernandez made his way back into the U.S., resulting in this most recent felony conviction—a plea of guilty to one count of deported alien found in the U.S.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office conducted the investigation that led to Valdovinos-Hernandez's conviction, with the prosecution handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke jointly announced the sentencing, underscoring the collaborative nature of federal law enforcement efforts.
This case marks Valdovinos-Hernandez's third felony while unlawfully in the United States, with previous convictions originating from an Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada for Attempt Burglary and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. With the defendant already having faced the consequences of his past actions, the judiciary has now added another chapter to his extensive legal encounters.
Anyone with information can call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or use the online tip form. Cases like Valdovinos-Hernandez’s highlight the complexities of the ongoing debate over immigration, border security, and the rule of law in the U.S.
