Jose Miguel Molina-Echavarria, a 40-year-old citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to time served—nearly four months in prison—for illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., according to an announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Molina-Echavarria was indicted by a federal grand jury following his arrest on May 18, 2025, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, for Driving Under the Influence and related charges. He had been removed from the country pursuant to a court order in 2024 and later pleaded guilty to illegal reentry before sentencing.
The investigation into Molina-Echavarria’s case was conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis P. Sempa and Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
Molina-Echavarria still faces pending state charges in Franklin County. An ICE detainer has been lodged against him for deportation proceedings.
