Juan Valencia-Diaz, a 51-year-old Mexican national residing in York County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States after being previously removed. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment alleges Valencia-Diaz had been previously removed from the country in 2017 and was found in York County on or about July 19, 2025, without legal authority to return.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) aims to use federal resources to address illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. The initiative coordinates efforts from various federal programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted of this offense, Valencia-Diaz faces a maximum penalty under federal law of two years imprisonment, supervised release following incarceration, and a fine. Sentencing decisions are made by a judge who considers relevant statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Officials remind the public that indictments are only allegations. “All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.”
