I.C.E. News Release

May 12, 2010

Honduran national indicted for illegally reentering U.S., possessing a shotgun

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - A previously deported Honduran national, who unlawfully reentered the United States and illegally possessed firearms, was indicted in federal court on those charges on Wednesday. The indictment resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Manuel De Jesus Martinez Aguilar, 39, was indicted May 12 in the Southern District of Indiana for illegally reentering the United States after being previously deported, and for unlawfully possessing a firearm as an illegal alien. He will be deported again to Honduras after the criminal proceedings are completed, including any imposed sentence, if convicted. Reentering the United States after being formally deported is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The indictment alleges that Aguilar was previously deported to Honduras on June 14, 2000. On April 29, 2010, Aguilar was encountered in Posey County, Ind., after federal agents observed him unlawfully purchasing firearms. Aguilar had illegally entered the U.S. without obtaining the required permission from the Department of Homeland Security.

The indictment also alleges that Aguilar unlawfully possessed firearms as an illegal alien.

If convicted, Aguilar faces up to two years in prison for reentering the United States after having been deported, and up to 10 years in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm as an illegal alien. He also faces a maximum fine of $250,000.

"ICE is committed to strengthening the integrity of our country's immigration laws," said Ricardo Wong, field office director of the ICE Office of Detention and Removal Operations in Chicago. "This indictment sends a strong message of deterrence to those who show a blatant disregard for our nation's laws."

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, Southern District of Indiana, is prosecuting this case.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE comprises four integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/1005/100512indianapolis.htm