Darwin Noe Mendosa-Cruz, a 29-year-old citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty in New Orleans on September 22, 2026, to the charge of reentry of a removed alien. According to U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle, Mendosa-Cruz faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
Sentencing and Penalties Set for December
Mendosa-Cruz entered his guilty plea for violating Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). According to the bill of information, he was previously removed on or about November 27, 2023. The bill of information states that he reentered the United States sometime prior to May 7, 2026.
In addition to the maximum two-year prison term and fine, the court may impose up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment. He is also required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge William J. Crain has scheduled the sentencing for December 15, 2026.
Operation Take Back America Initiative
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle identified the case as part of “Operation Take Back America,” 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. The investigation into Mendosa-Cruz was conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Court Docket and Naturalization Context
The case is being processed through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, which manages its docket and case filings via the CM/ECF system. This court remains active in broader immigration-related proceedings, including naturalization ceremonies for new citizens. For instance, on July 1, 2026, the court held a naturalization ceremony at the National WWII Museum, where 73 petitioners became United States citizens. The ceremony was opened by Chief Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana Wendy B. Vitter and featured a keynote address and the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Chief Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Jennifer Walker Elrod.