PHOENIX, Ariz. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona filed criminal charges against 314 individuals for immigration-related violations during a one-week enforcement surge from May 3 to May 9, 2025.
Of those charged, 117 were accused of illegal reentry into the United States after prior removal, while 166 were charged with illegal entry. Additionally, 25 cases were filed against 31 individuals allegedly involved in human smuggling operations within Arizona.
The enforcement effort was supported by multiple federal agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and ATF.
Examples of recent prosecutions:
United States v. Marco Antonio Ruelas-Solis: On May 3, Ruelas-Solis, a Mexican national unlawfully present in the U.S., was caught target shooting in Tonto National Forest with a 9mm pistol and 40 rounds of ammunition. He now faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.
United States v. Clayton Line Wilhite: On May 4, Wilhite was charged with transporting illegal aliens after allegedly fleeing an immigration checkpoint in a vehicle. Following a short pursuit and collision, two passengers fled the vehicle but were apprehended by agents. Wilhite was taken into custody at the scene.
These cases fall under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at disrupting illegal immigration, dismantling transnational criminal organizations, and safeguarding public safety. The operation brings together resources from the DOJ’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
