Edwin Melendez-Lopez/Honduras/Fraud

Federal immigration authorities arrested criminal illegal alien Edwin Melendez-Lopez in Sandstone, Minnesota, based on prior convictions for fraud and illegal reentry after removal under federal immigration law. Melendez-Lopez, a national of Honduras, was previously prosecuted for violating immigration statutes that classify certain unlawful reentries as aggravated felonies when tied to prior removal orders.

Officials also documented his association with the Paisas gang, a factor considered during the arrest planning and custody decisions. Local officers in Sandstone coordinated with federal agents to take Melendez-Lopez into custody without incident. A spokesman said authorities reviewed his fraud conviction, immigration history, and gang affiliation before transferring him to federal detention.

Melendez-Lopez remains in federal custody while officials evaluate his immigration case and pursue formal removal proceedings.