A Mexican national with multiple prior deportations faces fresh charges for reentering the United States, officials announced on Tuesday. Jose Ricardo Lopez Munoz, 49, residing in Las Vegas, appeared in court Monday for illegal reentry after removal from the country on several past occasions. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke, as per a statement provided to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Lopez Munoz is accused of one count of deported alien found in the United States, with allegations suggesting his presence in the country since on, or before November 28, 2023. He was previously deported on November 13, 1995; February 26, 1997; and August 1, 2013. Following his detainment by law enforcement in Clark County, ICE was made aware of his presence in the United States on December 1, 2023., after which he was arrested by ICE in Las Vegas on April 13, 2025.
The defendant has a history of using 18 different aliases and holds several felony convictions. Among them are charges such as Illegal Re-entry, Menacing, and Challenge to Fight with use of a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Promote Further or Assist a Criminal Gang. These prior convictions weigh heavily as Lopez Munoz now faces a potential 20-year prison term, a three-year supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment if convicted on the new charges.
As the legal process unfolds, Lopez Munoz is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 28, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe. While this complaint stands as an accusation, Lopez Munoz carries the presumption of innocence until potentially proven guilty in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office; and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. Public members looking to report crimes can reach out by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing an online tip form.
