Two Las Vegas Men Charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation

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Las Vegas Courthouse focusing on immigration legal issues.

News Summary

Two men from Las Vegas, David Cristales-Machado and Juan Manuel Lopez-Mendez, face federal charges for illegally reentering the U.S. after previous deportations. They have been arrested by ICE and local police, respectively, and may face severe penalties if convicted. Their preliminary hearings are set for April 24, 2025, raising concerns about repeat offenses and the complexities of immigration enforcement.

Two Men from Las Vegas Charged with Federal Illegal Reentry Following Deportations

In a troubling development, two men from Las Vegas are facing serious federal charges for illegally reentering the United States after being deported. The two 35-year-olds, David Cristales-Machado from El Salvador and Juan Manuel Lopez-Mendez from Mexico, recently made their initial court appearances to address the allegations against them.

Details of the Charges

The U.S. Department of Justice has specifically charged each man with one count of being a deported alien found in the United States. This serious offense highlights the ongoing challenges that authorities face when it comes to immigration enforcement and border security.

David Cristales-Machado was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 22, 2025, after an ICE detainer was issued while he was at the Clark County Detention Center. Cristales-Machado is no stranger to legal troubles, boasting a history of arrests that includes two charges for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. He was notably deported from the United States in October 2014 and carries three felony convictions. These include two for attempted possession of a stolen vehicle and one for attempted burglary. His troubled past raises questions about the likelihood of repeat offenses within the community.

Meanwhile, Juan Manuel Lopez-Mendez was taken into custody shortly after, on March 28, 2025. His arrest occurred when he was detained by Las Vegas Metro Police for possession of a controlled substance. Like Cristales-Machado, Lopez-Mendez was previously deported to Mexico in July 2018 and has two felony convictions to his name as well, including one for transporting a controlled substance and another for attempted possession of a stolen vehicle. These patterns of behavior are a cause for concern among law enforcement officials.

Potential Consequences

If found guilty of the federal charges, the consequences could be severe for both men. Cristales-Machado could face a lengthy prison sentence of up to 10 years, accompanied by a hefty $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release following his time behind bars. In contrast, Lopez-Mendez’s situation is somewhat less severe; he is facing a maximum sentence of two years in prison, alongside the same fine of $250,000 and one year of supervised release. Additionally, both defendants are subject to a $100 special assessment fee, highlighting the financial repercussions they will face.

Looking Ahead

Both men have preliminary hearings scheduled for April 24, 2025, where they will learn more about the legal process and what lies ahead in their cases. These hearings will be crucial in determining their fates and whether they will be classified as repeat offenders in the eyes of the law.

Authorities remind the public that anyone with information about crimes or suspicious activities can contact ICE, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in law enforcement.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of immigration laws and the challenges that come with enforcing them. As Las Vegas continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential that residents remain vigilant and informed about the issues that affect their community.