A federal grand jury has indicted Renato Jardines-Santiago, a 37-year-old citizen of Mexico, on a charge of illegal reentry after removal. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Jardines-Santiago was found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on or about August 25, 2025. He had previously been removed from the United States through San Ysidro, California, and allegedly returned without obtaining legal permission. Jardines-Santiago was prosecuted in 2019 for a similar offense.
The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE), with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio handling prosecution.
This indictment falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a national initiative led by the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration and related criminal activity. The operation coordinates resources from programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Jardines-Santiago faces up to 10 years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
“Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court,” said the statement from authorities.
