Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Sixth Illegal Re-Entry

Repeat offender faces 4 years in prison for latest illegal border crossing

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Jesus Banuelos-Lepe, a 49-year-old Mexican citizen, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for his sixth illegal re-entry into the United States. Banuelos-Lepe was found passed out behind the wheel in Sioux County, Iowa last July and tried to use an alias, but his fingerprints revealed his extensive criminal history including 5 prior deportations and 2 federal felony convictions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges the U.S. faces with repeat offenders illegally crossing the border, as well as the limitations of the federal criminal justice system in deterring such behavior, with no parole available for Banuelos-Lepe's sentence.

The details

When Banuelos-Lepe was arrested last July in the town of Maurice, Iowa, he was found intoxicated and passed out behind the wheel. He initially tried to use an alias, but his fingerprints revealed his extensive criminal history, including 5 prior deportations and 2 federal felony convictions - one in 2007 for alien smuggling where he held a person against their will for ransom.

  • Banuelos-Lepe was arrested in July 2025 in Sioux County, Iowa.
  • He was sentenced on February 18, 2026.

The players

Jesus Banuelos-Lepe

A 49-year-old Mexican citizen with a long history of illegal border crossings and criminal convictions.

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What’s next

After serving his 4-year sentence, Banuelos-Lepe will be deported from the United States.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges the U.S. faces in deterring repeat illegal border crossings, as well as the limitations of the criminal justice system in preventing such behavior, even for individuals with extensive criminal histories.