In a recent court proceeding, Salvadoran citizen Jose Alfredo Jimenez-Centeno, aged 72, faced the conclusion of his legal battle with the U.S. justice system. Jimenez-Centeno, after pleading guilty to unlawful re-entry into the United States, received his sentence on June 24. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long ordered Jimenez-Centeno to time served and imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Records reveal Jimenez-Centeno's re-entry was after his deportation on August 20, 1996, marking nearly three decades since the initial removal from U.S. soil. Despite the time lapse, his case caught the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, leading to his arrest and subsequent charge. He pleaded guilty to the charges, encompassing the full scope of the indictment presented against him.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit, and Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit, underlining a concerted effort by the Acting U.S. Attorney's office to address violations of immigration law. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson extended accolades to the United States Customs and Border Protection for their work in identifying and detaining Jimenez-Centeno. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the effective collaboration between these entities was highlighted as vital component in the enforcement of immigration policies.
