A federal jury in Houston found Luis Alberto Banda Acosta, a 36-year-old Mexican national living illegally in Bryan, guilty of unlawfully reentering the United States without authorization, Acting U.S. Attorney John G. E. Marck announced on Apr. 24.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address illegal immigration and enforce laws regarding unauthorized entry into the country.
Jurors reached their verdict after less than three hours of deliberation following a three-day trial. The evidence presented showed that Banda was stopped by authorities while driving a pickup truck on Feb. 4, 2024. He has multiple felony convictions, including failure to identify, possession of a controlled substance, and driving while intoxicated. Testimony also revealed he had been previously removed from the United States twice.
Banda’s defense argued that he was involuntarily present in the country under duress and had been kidnapped and forced across the border. However, jurors heard evidence indicating he lived freely in the United States, traveled to various locations within the country, received pay stubs, and made purchases at local stores such as a lingerie shop. The jury did not accept Banda’s claims or testimony from his expert witness regarding kidnappings and forced entries.
U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for June 30; Banda faces up to two years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine while remaining in custody until then.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Alum and Lauren Valenti along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Law and Robin Whitney providing research support.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources to address illegal immigration issues as well as target cartels and transnational criminal organizations involved in violent crime.
The Justice Department operates with more than 115,000 employees across both domestic locations and over fifty countries worldwide according to its official website. The department is focused on upholding law enforcement responsibilities—including safeguarding civil rights—and serves as the principal agency for these matters according to its official website. Merrick Garland has served as Attorney General since March 11, 2021 according to its official website, overseeing key prosecutions during his tenure such as those related to major incidents like the Oklahoma City bombing as noted by the department.
