A Guatemalan citizen, Elmer Enrique Ramirez-Ardon, pleaded guilty on April 16 in U.S. District Court in Portland to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal.
The case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to address immigration violations and enforce federal laws. According to court records, Ramirez-Ardon was discovered by U.S. Border Patrol Agents on March 12 while traveling as a passenger in a white box truck near Stratton, Maine, close to the U.S.-Canadian border. After observing suspicious behavior from the vehicle and its occupants, agents conducted a roadside immigration inspection and determined that both individuals lacked lawful authority to be in the country.
Ramirez-Ardon was transported with another individual to the Rangeley Border Patrol Station for processing. There, agents learned he had been previously ordered deported and removed from the United States in 2014. He now faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine; sentencing will follow completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district judge will determine his sentence based on statutory factors and guidelines.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Border Patrol as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative focused on countering illegal immigration and criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes such as this one, handling civil matters involving the government, collecting debts owed to federal agencies, and collaborating with law enforcement at all levels according to its official website. The office covers all of Maine with locations in Portland and Bangor according to its official website.
As chief federal law enforcement officer for Maine according to its official website, the office builds alliances with local partners while working as part of broader efforts against crime according to its official website.
