A Mexican citizen, Jose David Morales-Vazquez, 29, has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after being previously removed from the United States. The plea was entered on September 2, 2025, before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long in New Orleans.
Court documents show that Morales-Vazquez had been deported on November 19, 2018, and did not have authorization from either the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to return. Sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2025.
Morales-Vazquez could face up to two years in prison, a fine as high as $250,000, supervised release for up to one year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson acknowledged law enforcement efforts: “Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter.” Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is handling prosecution.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America. The initiative coordinates resources from the Department of Justice with aims to address illegal immigration and related criminal activities by leveraging efforts such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
