Justin De La Torre, Border Patrol Chief for San Diego, said that a previously deported Mexican national convicted of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl was arrested after illegally reentering near Yuma. The individual now faces prison time, fines, and another deportation.
“Why is border security so important? Because of guys like this,” said De La Torre. “This Mexican national was already deported from the U.S. once after he was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl and sentenced to 51 months in prison. Wellton Station agents recently arrested Pedro Alvarez Marcelino, 36, after he illegally entered the U.S. though the Sonoran Desert east of Yuma. Now he faces additional time in prison for reentry under 8 USC 1326 and more than $5,000 in fines before he is deported again. Illegal entry has consequences!”
According to Yuma Sector public messaging, Wellton Station agents apprehended 36-year-old Mexican national Pedro Alvarez Marcelino after he entered the United States through the Sonoran Desert east of Yuma. Officials noted that he had been previously deported following a conviction for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, which resulted in a 51-month prison sentence. After this recent arrest, he now faces prosecution for illegal reentry, fines exceeding $5,000, and another deportation. Sector leaders emphasize this case as an example that repeat illegal entry carries serious consequences.
Reentering the United States after removal is classified as a federal felony under 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Justice Department guidance indicates that a basic violation—returning after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed—carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Those whose prior removal followed certain criminal convictions can face up to 10 or even 20 years in prison, depending on their record. These enhanced penalties target repeat or serious offenders like drug traffickers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) monitors arrests of “criminal noncitizens,” defined as individuals with prior criminal convictions or pending charges beyond immigration violations. CBP enforcement statistics reveal tens of thousands of such arrests by Border Patrol across multiple fiscal years for offenses including assault, drug trafficking, DUI (Driving Under the Influence), and weapons violations. Many of these individuals were previously removed and later caught attempting to reenter the country.
De La Torre is a veteran Border Patrol leader with over 25 years of service in the agency. He has held senior roles such as Deputy Chief Patrol Agent in the Tucson Sector before becoming Chief Patrol Agent of the Yuma Sector in Arizona. Local reporting highlights his focus on strong partnerships with law enforcement and the agricultural community, along with strict enforcement against smugglers and repeat offenders. The Yuma Sector is responsible for securing over 120 miles of the U.S.–Mexico border in southwestern Arizona and disrupting cross-border crime that threatens American communities.
