A Mexican national has entered a guilty plea for the federal offense of illegal re-entry after previous deportation, confirmed Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Luis A. Gama, 38, admitted to his presence in Tangipahoa Parish earlier this year, following his deportation to Mexico in September 2019. The announcement was made public yesterday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, detailing the violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
Set to appear before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown on July 23, Gama is facing the possibility of two years in prison, along with a fine that could total up to $250,000. In addition, he may also have to submit to as much as one year of supervised release after the confinement period, as well as payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. These consequences underscore the seriousness with which the federal justice system is approaching cases of illegal re-entry.
The case against Gama is a part of the larger initiative named Operation Take Back America, which aspires to comprehensively tackle the issue of illegal immigration, target cartel operations, and reduce violent crime connected to transnational criminal organizations. The program symbolizes the concerted approach that integrates the efforts of the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson didn't hold back in commending the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who played a pivotal role in bringing this investigation to a head. Assistance in the prosecution was provided by Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit, a revelation made in the Justice Department's official communication.
