Mexican Man With Eight Prior Deportations Sentenced for Second Felony Illegal Reentry in Montana

MISSOULA — A Mexican man with eight prior deportations was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to his second felony illegal reentry conviction, marking one of the most extensive removal histories in Montana's recent federal immigration enforcement cases.

Eduardo Heriberto Mendoza-Almanza, 41, received a 200-day sentence followed by one year of supervised release in Missoula Federal District Court. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the December 10 sentencing.

Mendoza-Almanza was previously convicted of felony illegal reentry in Montana on March 15, 2023, sentenced to time served, and removed from the country. He was deported again on September 5, 2023.

Eight Deportations Since 2006

According to court documents, Mendoza-Almanza has been removed from the United States on eight occasions:

• March 6, 2006
• February 2, 2007
• February 22, 2007
• February 25, 2007
• May 11, 2007
• January 11, 2008
• June 18, 2011
• September 5, 2023

There is no record he applied for or was granted permission by the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to return to the United States.

Traffic Stop Led to Federal Charges

The government alleged in court documents that Mendoza-Almanza was arrested on April 6, 2025, in Belgrade after an officer stopped him for driving with no license plate light after dark.

He was identified with his Mexico driver's license. His driving privileges were suspended in Montana and revoked in New Mexico. He also had numerous active warrants and was arrested for driving without a license.

Pattern of Traffic Stop Cases

The case follows a pattern of illegal reentry prosecutions in Montana involving traffic stops^2 for driving violations^3. In November, a Mexican national pleaded guilty to his fourth illegal reentry^4 after crashing into a vehicle during an 80 mph chase through a Kalispell residential neighborhood.

Unlike previous illegal reentry cases where defendants were immediately remanded to U.S. Border Patrol, Mendoza-Almanza received one year of supervised release. The press release did not specify whether immediate removal was considered or why supervised release was ordered.

The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case under U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, who was confirmed by the Senate^5 in October. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative that "marshals the full resources" to address illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.^1