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Beyond the Border: How Repeat Offender Pedro Lucas-Cruz’s Illegal Reentry Lands Him 30 Months in Federal Prison

Mexican national sentenced to 30 months for illegally reentering the US after prior deportations.

September 12, 2025, 4:29 PM

A gavel and handcuffs are shown over a Mexican flag, symbolizing law and justice

A symbolic representation of the law and legal system in Mexico, featuring a gavel, handcuffs, and the Mexican flag. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Pedro Lucas-Cruz, a 31-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations.

This marks Lucas-Cruz’s third known illegal reentry, and he has a history of criminal convictions, including aggravated assault and felony battery.

The case, investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws against individuals with a history of serious criminal offenses and multiple unauthorized entries.

Laws and Precedent

Pedro Lucas-Cruz was sentenced for the federal offense of “illegal reentry by a deported alien,” a charge that carries significant penalties under U.S. immigration law, particularly for individuals with a history of prior criminal convictions and multiple deportations. The sentencing by a U.S. District Judge reflects the federal government’s commitment to enforcing immigration statutes and prosecuting repeat offenders.

Pedro Lucas-Cruz, a 31-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on Thursday, September 11, 2025, for illegally reentering the United States after being previously deported. U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell issued the sentence, which highlights the serious consequences for repeat immigration offenses, particularly for individuals with prior criminal convictions.

Details of the Offense

Lucas-Cruz pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal reentry by a deported alien on June 30, 2025. This conviction marks his third known instance of illegally returning to the U.S. following official removal, demonstrating a pattern of flouting immigration laws.

According to court documents, Lucas-Cruz has a history of criminal activity within the United States. He was previously convicted on February 12, 2015, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and felony battery. These prior offenses contributed to the federal government’s firm stance on his subsequent immigration violations.

Repeated Deportations and Reentries

Following his 2015 convictions, Lucas-Cruz was first deported from the United States on September 21, 2017. Despite this removal, he illegally reentered the country, leading to another conviction for illegal reentry on March 11, 2021. He was then deported a second time on February 4, 2022.

Undeterred by previous legal actions and removals, Lucas-Cruz again illegally reentered the United States. He was subsequently apprehended in the Middle District of Florida on January 6, 2025, which initiated the latest federal prosecution leading to his current sentence.

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation into Lucas-Cruz’s repeated illegal reentry was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Patrick M. Flanigan was responsible for prosecuting the case, bringing it to a conclusion in federal court.

The sentencing of Pedro Lucas-Cruz underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws, particularly against individuals with a history of both serious criminal offenses and multiple unauthorized entries into the country. Lucas-Cruz will now serve his federal prison term before facing potential further deportation proceedings.