US-Puerto Rico agents arrest local man on repeated illegal entry

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agents filed a criminal complaint today against an undocumented alien from the Dominican Republic for illegally reentering the United States after his prior deportation and time in federal prison.

Luis Eligio Santana-Perez, 37, made an initial appearance today before US Magistrate Judge Camille Velez-Rive charges with a violation to Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326, for reentry of a removed alien, whose removal was subsequent to a conviction for commission of an aggravated felony.

Mr. Santana-Perez was arrested Sunday after the Puerto Rico Police Department in Cabo Rojo detained him and two other aliens after citizens alerted authorities of suspected aliens roaming around the area.

Immigration databases revealed that Mr. Santana-Perez had served time in federal prison and was previously removed.

The Ramey Sector Border Patrol Prosecutions Unit presented the complaint to the consideration of the Assistant US Attorney Evelyn Canals who will lead the prosecution.

If convicted Mr. Santana-Perez faces a fine or not more than 20 years of imprisonment, or both.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.