LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national, with a felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, made his initial court appearance today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

“The law is clear that individuals who are removed from the country cannot simply turn around and walk back across our borders,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “When a previously deported individual willfully violates federal law to return illegally, they will be caught and face federal prosecution. Our neighborhood safety gets stronger every day when law enforcement agencies work closely together. By upholding federal laws and focusing our resources on repeat offenders, we keep our streets secure and ensure our communities remain safe places for families to thrive.”

Aurus Jeshua Cervantes-Mitre is charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maximiliano D. Couvillier, III.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, Cervantes-Mitre is a citizen and national of Mexico who was previously deported on or about February 9, 2025, and reentered the United States illegally. On February 4, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Cervantes-Mitre was in custody at the Clark County Detention Center, after he was arrested on three counts of possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, flunitrazepam/GHB, with intent to sell. On September 4, 2026, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Cervantes-Mitre to ICE Las Vegas, Nevada, custody after he served a sentence of 12 to 36 months for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

If convicted, Cervantes-Mitre faces the maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Jason Knight made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated this case; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.