PHOENIX — Federal prosecutors in Arizona have filed immigration-related criminal charges against 135 people during a week of coordinated enforcement across the state, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Friday.
Between July 19 and July 25, the office charged dozens for illegal entry and reentry, human smuggling, and assaults on federal officers. The effort was part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at disrupting illegal immigration and dismantling criminal networks.
Of the total cases filed:
67 involved previously deported individuals reentering the country illegally.
50 involved first-time illegal entries.
11 smuggling cases were filed against 13 individuals.
3 separate cases charged 5 people with assaulting federal agents.
The cases were developed with support from several federal agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol, ICE, DEA, FBI, ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Notable incidents during the week include:
Santos Mendivil Contreras, Jr. and Emanuel Mendivil Cervantes: After an HSI traffic stop in July, Contreras allegedly tried to disarm an agent during a struggle. Cervantes is accused of interfering with the arrest by kicking agents. All four officers involved were injured before the two suspects were taken into custody.
[Case No. 25-MJ-9300]Benigno Armando Rios Pacheco and Janeth Karina Montoya Estrada: DEA agents attempted to arrest Rios, who was wanted in Mexico. During the arrest, Montoya reportedly shoved an agent and became combative, injuring multiple officers. Rios also resisted while in custody.
[Case No. 25-MJ-9327]
The DOJ said these prosecutions are part of its broader effort to curb border-related criminal activity and ensure consequences for violent conduct toward law enforcement.
