Gang member gets 4 years, going on 14 deportations

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) – A Mexican national and multiple-time felon has been ordered to prison after entering the country illegally 14 times, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.

Jose Estrada-Corpus, 32, pleaded guilty on December 5, 2024.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Estrada-Corpus to serve 4.5 years (54 months) in federal prison.

At his hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Estrada-Corpus had been previously convicted of multiple felony convictions including assaulting a public servant and possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver.

Estrada-Corpus was previously deported on 13 different occasions and has been identified as a gang member, according to the release.

Judge Crane noted Estrada-Corpus’s extensive criminal history and that he had previously received a lengthy sentence for the same offense.

Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.

“As the facts of this case demonstrate, the defendant has no respect for this nation’s laws,” said Ganjei. “His repeated disregard for our immigration laws has earned him a serious sentence. Hopefully, this case will deter other aliens who might think that this country is not serious about defending its border.”

Authorities arrested Estrada-Corpus on October 31, 2024, as he attempted to illegally cross the Rio Grande River near Rio Grande City.

Through the course of the investigation, Estrada-Corpus also admitted to being a member of the Paisas gang.