GREENBELT, Md. — A 33-year-old El Salvadoran national has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a prior felony conviction tied to a first-degree murder case, federal officials announced Thursday.
Edwin Armando Sanchez-Montiel entered his plea in federal court after authorities confirmed he unlawfully returned to the U.S. without authorization following his removal in early 2024.
According to court documents, Sanchez-Montiel was first encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Hidalgo, Texas, in October 2006. After failing to appear for an immigration hearing, he was ordered removed in absentia by an immigration judge in February 2007.
In January 2023, Sanchez-Montiel was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison, with all but 18 months suspended. Upon completing his sentence, he was taken into ICE custody and removed to El Salvador on February 9, 2024.
However, Sanchez-Montiel reentered the U.S. unlawfully at an unknown time and location, without inspection or consent from federal authorities. He was taken into ICE custody again on July 27 in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 26 at 10 a.m.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brooke Oki and Joel Crespo. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) conducted the investigation.
Sanchez-Montiel faces federal penalties for returning to the U.S. after deportation and a serious felony conviction.