Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced the indictment of Guatemalan national NERI OSBELI ARGUETA-CHUN, 42, for the illegal re-entry of a removed alien, an act in contravention of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and (b)(1), as per an official statement released yesterday.
Previously deported on October 31, 2018, ARGUETA-CHUN was indicted on April 11, 2025, and could now face a prison sentence up to two years, a fine that might stretch to $250,000, a possible year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Having been previously convicted of a felony, ARGUETA-CHUN's situation is further compounded, with a sentencing enhancement which could add up to 10 years to his imprisonment. In a statement made by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Simpson underscored that "an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt."
The case against ARGUETA-CHUN is a part of the broader Operation Take Back America, an ambitious nation-wide initiative orchestrated by the Department of Justice. The program aims to stem the flow of illegal immigration, wipe out the influence of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and ensure the protection of communities from violent offenders. Launched under the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), this operation represents a unified front against organized crime and illegal border crossings.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson lauded the efforts of the United States Border Patrol, having been praising the work in investigating this matter. Overseeing this prosecution is Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit.
