Evergreen Reporter

Jose Guadalupe Coca-Escalante, also known as "Lenin Romo" and "Guadalupe Escalante," has been indicted for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Coca-Escalante, 39, originally from Mexico, was found in the U.S. on September 26, 2024, without authorization following a previous deportation on December 8, 2016.

If found guilty, Coca-Escalante could receive a sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine reaching $250,000, a year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for the offense. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that the indictment is an accusation, and Coca-Escalante's guilt must be established beyond reasonable doubt.

This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aiming to tackle illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. The initiative draws on resources from the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

The investigation was carried out by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. from the General Crimes Unit overseeing the prosecution.