The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Fernando Hernandez-Garfias, a 42-year-old citizen of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2025. The charge is illegal reentry into the United States.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment alleges Hernandez-Garfias was found in York County, Pennsylvania, on or about May 7, 2025. This follows his previous removal from the United States on November 23, 2016, through Brownsville, Texas. The indictment further claims he reentered without obtaining legal permission.
The investigation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations along with the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is handling prosecution.
This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” which aims to address illegal immigration and combat transnational criminal organizations as well as protect communities from violent crime perpetrators. The operation consolidates resources from various Department of Justice initiatives.
Under federal law, the offense carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, supervised release after imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing follows judicial consideration of federal statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are allegations only; individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
