A federal grand jury in Birmingham charged four individuals with immigration-related offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby announced on Mar. 26.
The charges are part of a broader effort to address illegal immigration and related criminal activity. The initiative, known as Operation Take Back America, aims to use the Department of Justice’s resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
Geremias Ponce, a 22-year-old citizen of Honduras, faces charges for illegally reentering the United States after deportation, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Carlos Crisostomo Garcia, age 48 and a citizen of Mexico, was charged with illegally reentering the country after deportation and being an alien in possession of a firearm.
Two other citizens of Mexico were also indicted: Jose Yosho Ibarra-Daniel, age 40, was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm; Aldo Osiel De Blas-Salazar, age 23, was charged with illegally reentering the United States following prior deportation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that indictments contain only allegations. “A defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty,” according to Crosby.
