Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 6 Months for Illegal Reentry in Montana
Miguel Angel Lozada-Dominguez was arrested in St. Regis after soliciting money while lacking legal immigration status
By Staff Writer
Jun 25, 2025
MISSOULA — A 36-year-old Mexican citizen was sentenced to six months in prison followed by removal from the United States after pleading guilty to illegal reentry, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announced today.
Miguel Angel Lozada-Dominguez entered his guilty plea in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentence.
Arrest and Investigation
According to court documents, law enforcement officers encountered Lozada-Dominguez on April 7, 2025, in St. Regis, Montana. He was observed approaching bystanders while holding a notebook containing handwritten English phrases, apparently soliciting money.
When questioned by officers, Lozada-Dominguez identified himself as a Mexican citizen and admitted he lacked valid immigration documents or legal authorization to be in the United States. He made no claims to U.S. citizenship or lawful status.
During a subsequent interview, the defendant revealed he had entered the country illegally by crossing the border undetected through Del Rio, Texas.
Prior Immigration Violations
Court records show Lozada-Dominguez had previously been convicted of illegal entry and ordered removed from the United States on January 24, 2019. Records confirmed he had not sought or received authorization from the Attorney General to reenter the country.
Following his arrest, Lozada-Dominguez was transported to a local jail for reinstatement of his prior removal order.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation coordinates resources from the department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood programs.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with investigation conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This article is part of our series on Montana Illegal Aliens covering breaking news and reporting on illegal immigration enforcement in Montana, including ICE arrests, deportations, HSI operations, and federal immigration proceedings affecting the state.
Stay in the loop—or help power the reporting
Get stories like this delivered to your inbox—or become a supporter to help keep local news bold and free.