Del Rio Judge Hands Down 20-Year Sentence to Deported Salvadoran Child Predator

Celso Rivas-Gonzalez was given the statutory maximum after illegally re-entering the U.S. following prior convictions for sexual offenses against children.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Del Rio federal judge has sentenced Celso Rivas-Gonzalez, a twice-deported Salvadoran national, to 20 years in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States despite prior convictions for sexual offenses against children. Prosecutors say the sentence sends a clear message that repeat offenders who sneak back into the country after deportation will face the harshest available penalties.

Why it matters

The case highlights the Justice Department's crackdown on immigration-related crimes, particularly those involving repeat offenders and sexual predators. It also reflects broader tensions around border enforcement, due process, and the allocation of prosecutorial resources in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The details

Rivas-Gonzalez was arrested by Border Patrol agents on July 26, 2025, after having been deported twice before, most recently on February 19, 2025. His criminal record includes a 2024 conviction for indecency with a child and a 2021 harassment felony that was reduced from an aggravated sexual assault charge. U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez handed down the 20-year sentence, the statutory maximum, in February 2026.

  • Rivas-Gonzalez was arrested by Border Patrol on July 26, 2025.
  • Rivas-Gonzalez was most recently deported on February 19, 2025.
  • Rivas-Gonzalez was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in February 2026.

The players

Celso Rivas-Gonzalez

A twice-deported Salvadoran national with prior convictions for sexual offenses against children.

U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez

The federal judge who handed down the 20-year sentence to Rivas-Gonzalez.

U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons

The U.S. Attorney who stated that his office will hold repeat offenders accountable and seek the harshest available penalties.

Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good

The Del Rio Sector Border Patrol chief who credited the agents who flagged and detained the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carli Tuttle and Daisy Gonzalez

The prosecutors who handled the case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“we will hold you to account”

— U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons (U.S. Attorney WDTX on X)

“effective teamwork among border-enforcement partners”

— Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good, Del Rio Sector Border Patrol (U.S. Attorney WDTX on X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Celso Rivas-Gonzalez out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Justice Department's crackdown on repeat offenders and sexual predators who illegally re-enter the U.S. after deportation, as part of a broader initiative to prioritize immigration and cartel-related prosecutions along the border. However, the rapid pace of these filings has raised concerns about due process and access to counsel in border communities.