Illegal alien sentenced 57 months for repeated illegal reentries and crimes of violence

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Miguel Angel Monjaras-Castro, 37, a native of El Salvador, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for illegal reentry after deportation for commission of an aggravated felony following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Neil H. MacBride and Field Office Director for ICE's Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Washington, D.C., Henry M. Lucero made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Monjaras-Castro pled guilty on July 15, 2010.

On April 24, 2009, Monjaras-Castro was located by ICE ERO officers at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, as part of ERO's Criminal Alien Program. According to court documents, Monjaras-Castro claimed to be a lawful permanent resident who arrived in the United States on a valid visa. However, Monjaras-Castro had been removed on Dec. 8, 1997 and again on April 18, 2008.

Monjaras-Castro's second removal was subsequent to two felony convictions for crimes of violence. On Jan. 16, 1997, Monjaras-Castro was convicted in Dallas County, Texas, of raping his estranged wife at knifepoint. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all 10 years probated. On Feb. 10, 1997, Monjaras-Castro was convicted of in Kaufman County, Texas, for twice striking a victim on the neck with the barrel of a loaded handgun and firing shots near the victim's vehicle. He was sentenced to three years' probation.

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