A Salvadoran national who was deported in 2008 has now pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States and could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Arsenio Valladares, 44, admitted guilt in federal court on July 7 to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien, according to charging documents filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 23, 2025.
Federal prosecutors say Valladares was removed from the United States on or about April 23, 2008, after convictions for violent offenses. His criminal history prior to deportation includes assault and battery with a deadly weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, general assault and battery, driving under the influence, larceny, and malicious destruction of property.
ICE Boston learned of Valladares’s return to the U.S. in November 2024 after being notified that he had been fingerprinted in connection with criminal charges in Massachusetts. Authorities detained him on immigration charges on March 18, 2025.
The maximum penalty for unlawful reentry of a deported alien is 10 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to redeportation upon completion of any sentence imposed.
ICE officials released a social media post stating, “After a 2008 deportation, violent Salvadoran illegal alien Arsenio Valladares has now earned the chance to stay in the U.S. for up to 10 years – in prison.”
Acting ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde commented, “Not only did Arsenio Valladares display a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws; his presence in our community placed the safety of our residents in danger. He has been convicted of several violent crimes and represents a threat to our neighbors. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from New England.”
Valladares’s case underscores the enforcement priority placed on criminal alien recidivists who return illegally after deportation, particularly those with violent criminal records. Upon completion of his federal sentence, Valladares is again subject to removal proceedings.
The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Benjamin is leading the case.
All charges and sentencing will be adjudicated in U.S. District Court. Under federal law, sentencing will be guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
