Guatemalan National Charged With Illegal Reentry Into The U.S.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 7:15  A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

BOSTON, MA.- A 52-year-old Guatemalan national illegally residing in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is facing up to two years in federal prison after being charged in a federal indictment with unlawfully reentering the United States after being previously removed.

     On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, a Federal Grand Jury for the District of Massachusetts returned an indictment charging Manuel Ruiz Luis, 52, of Guatemala, with one count of Illegal Reentry into the United States by a Deported Alien. Ruiz Luis was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 31, 2025, following his initial appearance in Federal Court, and was ordered detained.

According To U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley

     According to U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and charging information unsealed in the indictment, Ruiz Luis was first removed from the United States to Guatemala in April 1996 and allegedly reentered the United States illegally sometime thereafter. Ruiz Luis was removed from the United States for a second time on March 28, 2012.

     It is further alleged that sometime after his 2012 removal, he reentered the United States at an unknown date and location without obtaining permission or legal authorization to do so.

     According to criminal court documents filed in the indictment, prior to his 2012 removal, Ruiz Luis had multiple criminal convictions, including one charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence and four separate charges of operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license.

     If convicted at trial, Ruiz Luis faces up to two years in federal prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. When sentenced upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Ruiz Luis’ prior criminal history. Upon completion of any sentence imposed, Ruiz Luis will face immediate deportation proceedings and be removed from the country.

“The rules of the federal court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”