Jose Miguel Molina-Echavarria, a 40-year-old Mexican citizen, has been sentenced to time served—almost four months in prison—for illegally reentering the United States after being previously removed. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Molina-Echavarria was indicted following his arrest for Driving Under the Influence and related offenses in Franklin County, Pennsylvania on May 18, 2025. Molina-Echavarria had been deported from the U.S. under a court order in 2024. He pleaded guilty to illegal reentry before receiving his sentence.
The investigation was conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).” This statement was provided by officials involved with Operation Take Back America.
Molina-Echavarria still faces state charges in Franklin County, and an ICE detainer has been placed on him for deportation proceedings.
