A member of the notorious gang Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, has been charged with illegally reentering the United States after being previously deported. Lorenzo Alexander Benítez, a 40-year-old El Salvador native, is facing prosecution in a Louisiana court in New Orleans, as reported by the Department of Justice.
According to the indictment, Benítez reentered the country unlawfully after being deported on July 27, 2018. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Hubbell and Spiro Latsis.
Benítez was apprehended by United States Border Patrol (USBP) agents during a routine traffic stop on May 1, as confirmed by USBP Chief Jason Owens. Owens stated that Benítez will be charged with felony re-entry after being previously removed from the U.S. He also revealed that in 2024 alone, Border Patrol agents have captured a total of 41 MS-13 gang members.
The arrest and prosecution of Benítez highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal activities of violent gangs like MS-13. Stay tuned for further updates on this case as it progresses through the legal system.