NORTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA — United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced 22 new federal indictments against previously deported individuals for illegal reentry into the United States on September 22, 2026. The indictments target individuals from Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala within the Northern District of Florida.

A total of 53 individuals have been convicted of federal immigration crimes in the Northern District of Florida since July 2026. These convictions are part of Operation Take Back America. Bay County accounted for 9 of the 53 individuals convicted of federal immigration crimes in the district since July 2026, according to a detailed list of convictions published by AzFreePress.

The maximum penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Donato Cazuela-Cazuela faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine due to prior convictions. Four individuals are currently under indictment and awaiting trial.

The trial for Nelson Paz-Alvarenga is scheduled for October 5, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Sentencing for Ever Paz-Perez is set for September 29, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. The trial for Donato Cazuela-Cazuela is scheduled for October 21, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida, set by the United States Attorney's Office.

David Chavez-Lopez, 32, of Guatemala, was encountered in Escambia County on June 9, 2026, after being previously removed in November 2018. Andres Antonio Mendez, 34, of Guatemala, was encountered in Jackson County on June 11, 2026, after being previously removed in May 2015, August 2015, and December 2015. Irvin Noe Arias Marquez, 28, of Honduras, was encountered in Washington County on February 15, 2026, after being previously removed in April 2021 and February 2024. Jose Patzan-Camey, 28, of Guatemala, was encountered in Santa Rosa County on April 21, 2026, after being previously removed in October 2018.

Additional individuals indicted include Juan Carlos Martinez-Hernandez, 31, of Mexico, encountered in Leon County on March 3, 2026, after prior removals in 2014 and 2016. Marvin Noe Escobar-Chavez, 29, of Honduras, was apprehended in Gadsden County on January 18, 2026, following removals in 2017 and 2020. Jorge Luis Lopez-Morales, 35, of Honduras, was found in Jefferson County on May 12, 2026, after being removed in 2013 and 2019. Jose Francisco Martinez-Rodriguez, 33, of Honduras, was taken into custody in Madison County on July 7, 2026, after prior removals in 2011 and 2018.

Other cases include Jose Ramon Martinez-Ramirez, 30, of Mexico, encountered in Taylor County on August 22, 2026, after removals in 2015 and 2020. Luis Antonio Lopez-Castro, 36, of Honduras, was apprehended in Lafayette County on September 1, 2026, following removals in 2012 and 2017. Pedro Antonio Lopez-Castro, 27, of Honduras, was found in Hamilton County on April 10, 2026, after being removed in 2021. Juan Carlos Lopez-Morales, 34, of Honduras, was taken into custody in Suwannee County on June 15, 2026, after prior removals in 2016 and 2022.

Operation Take Back America continues to coordinate efforts between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and local law enforcement agencies across the Northern District of Florida. The initiative focuses on identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting noncitizens who have previously been removed and illegally reentered the country, particularly those with prior criminal records or multiple deportations.

According to federal records, the 22 new indictments bring the total number of federal immigration prosecutions in the district to 75 since the start of 2026. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charges were brought as part of ongoing efforts to enforce federal immigration laws and enhance public safety in the region.