Convicted Rapist Sentenced to 70 Months for Illegally Entering U.S.

Twice-Deported Salvadoran had History of Violent Crime

Del Rio, Texas – A native of El Salvador was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison recently after U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended him as he attempted to enter the United States illegally.

Fidel Angel Bonilla, 31, was arrested in 2004 in Maryland, for multiple counts of rape, assault, burglary, and false imprisonment. Bonilla was convicted of second-degree rape and sentenced to 15 years in prison – 10 of which were suspended – and five years probation. After serving three years, Bonilla was released from prison. Subsequently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took custody of Bonilla and he was formally deported from the United States on June 6, 2008.

After having been deported, Bonilla was again found in the United States, incarcerated at a Maryland state prison. His prior order of removal from the United States was reinstated on Sept. 4, 2009, and Bonilla was again deported back to El Salvador.

Less than 10 weeks later, on Nov. 16, 2009, an agent from the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station caught Bonilla as he attempted to re-enter the United States near El Indio.

On May 26, U.S. District Judge Alia Ludlum sentenced Bonilla to 70 months in federal prison for violation of 8 USC 1326 - which provides for up to 10 years imprisonment for convicted felons who re-enter the United States after deportation.

“U.S. Border Patrol agents are out in the field 24 hours a day protecting our homeland,” said Kevin Brashear, patrol agent in charge of the Eagle Pass South Station. “They are our first line of defense against unknown individuals who attempt to enter the country illegally.

“In this instance, our agents apprehended a violent offender who was determined to continue his attempts to come here and pursue his illegal activities,” Brashear added.