Five-Time Deported Mexican National Arrested for Illegal Re-entry in Texas

Jose Guadalupe Deciga-Lopez, a Mexican national with a history of multiple deportations, was arrested in New Braunfels, Texas, on March 3 during a routine traffic stop. He has previously been deported to Mexico five times, with removals occurring in 2014, twice in 2017, again in 2018, and most recently in 2023. Deciga-Lopez now faces federal charges for illegal re-entry, which could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 if convicted. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman highlighted the importance of enforcing immigration laws, stating that individuals who repeatedly violate them will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. The case is being investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Marie Cordova. This incident underscores ongoing challenges regarding immigration enforcement in the U.S.