November 1, 2007

Mexican citizen with multiple felonies pleads guilty to illegally re-entering the U.S.

NEW HAVEN, CT - Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut and Bruce M. Foucart, special agent-in-charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of Investigations in Boston, today announced that Antonio Amaral-Ramirez, 44, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty yesterday, October 31, before Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being removed for an aggravated felony.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, Amaral was removed from the United States in October 1987 on the basis of a criminal conviction for burglary in the second degree that he sustained while in the U.S. illegally. Amaral re-entered the U.S. and sustained another aggravated felony conviction, robbery in the second degree. In September 1991, he again was deported to Mexico. Amaral again re-entered the U.S. and sustained a conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of heroin. In June 1994, Amaral was deported to Mexico. He subsequently re-entered the U.S., was found, and was removed a fourth time to Mexico in August 2002.

On August 27, 2007, Amaral was stopped by the Connecticut State Police for a motor vehicle violation in Hampton. When checking his immigration status, the trooper was advised that Amaral was illegally in this country. Accordingly, he was turned over to federal authorities. When interviewed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Hartford, Amaral stated that his true and correct name is Jorge Antonio Ramirez. However, he has used other names, including Antonio Amaral-Ramirez.

Before re-entering the United States, anyone who has been deported must have the express consent of the U.S. Attorney General or his successor, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Judge Dorsey has scheduled sentencing for January 17, 2008, at which time Amaral faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE"), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Genco.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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