A federal grand jury in New Haven has indicted Julio Cesar Fernandez-Salazar, a 44-year-old citizen of Mexico, on charges of unlawfully reentering the United States, according to an announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, on Mar. 18.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address illegal reentry cases and related criminal activity involving individuals previously removed from the country.
Court documents allege that Fernandez-Salazar has used several aliases and has a history of immigration violations dating back to October 2007, when he was first convicted in Arizona and returned to Mexico. He was deported again in June 2009 after being convicted in Tempe Municipal Court for failure to appear and driving with a suspended license. In July 2009, U.S. Border Patrol arrested him near the U.S./Mexico border and deported him once more.
Further allegations state that Fernandez-Salazar illegally reentered the U.S., leading to a conviction in April 2017 in Maricopa County for unlawful imprisonment and solicitation to commit misconduct involving weapons. In April 2018, he was convicted again in Arizona federal court for unlawful reentry and deported. On November 27, 2024, Connecticut State Police arrested him in Colchester on charges including illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs; he was released on bond.
A criminal complaint was issued against Fernandez-Salazar by the U.S. District Court in New Haven on July 18, 2025. He was located and arrested in Arizona on February 25, 2026, where he has remained detained since then. The indictment was returned on March 17, 2026.
If found guilty of unlawful reentry, Fernandez-Salazar could face up to twenty years in prison.
“U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations; Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Lembo is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
