NJ man indicted after 12 deportations for illegal re-entry

🚨 Federal prosecutors say a Mexican citizen who was removed from the U.S. 12 times is now charged with illegally re-entering the country again.
⚖️ Authorities allege the defendant returned after his 2024 removal and was later arrested in Somerset County on motor vehicle-related offenses.
🇺🇸 If convicted of illegal re-entry after a prior felony conviction, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

NJ man removed from U.S. 12 times now faces new illegal re-entry charge

Federal prosecutors say a New Jersey man who had already been removed from the United States a dozen times is once again facing charges after allegedly returning to the country illegally.

A federal grand jury has indicted Aedo Cruz Gonzalez, 40, a citizen of Mexico, on one count of illegal re-entry by a convicted felon, according to U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey.

Defendant previously convicted of illegal re-entry

According to the indictment and court filings, Cruz Gonzalez was removed from the United States to Mexico 12 separate times between 2011 and September 2024 after illegally entering the country.

Federal prosecutors say his criminal history includes a 2012 federal conviction in the District of Arizona for illegal re-entry into the United States. Court records show he pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2012, was sentenced to five months in prison and was removed to Mexico again later that year.

The U.S. Attorney's Office alleges that after that conviction, Cruz Gonzalez illegally re-entered the United States on nine additional occasions, with immigration authorities removing him to Mexico each time.

Arrest in Somerset County led to federal case

Prosecutors say Cruz Gonzalez was most recently removed from the United States on or about Sept. 24, 2024. Authorities allege he again unlawfully re-entered the country before being arrested by the Hillsborough Police Department on Dec. 7, 2024.

According to federal prosecutors, he was charged with several offenses, including exhibiting a false motor vehicle insurance card and operating a vehicle while his license was suspended. He was convicted of those two offenses in Somerset County Superior Court on May 22, 2025.

Illegal re-entry charge carries prison time

The federal indictment charges Cruz Gonzalez with illegal re-entry by a convicted felon.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or a greater amount permitted under federal law.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office.

Cruz Gonzalez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

ICE arrests: 'Worst of the worst' in New Jersey

These are recent arrests in New Jersey by Immigration & Customs Enforcement, which labeled these immigrants as "the worst of the worst."

Gallery Credit: New Jersey 101.5

NJ teachers recently accused of sexual crimes

Several New Jersey educators and coaches have faced recent accusations of sexual misconduct, while others return to court as their cases progress.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

PHOTOS: Trump's military parade rolls through Washington, D.C.

The grand military parade that President Donald Trump wanted for eight years barreled down Constitution Avenue in Washington with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute. The celebration played out against the counterpoint of protesters around the country who decried the U.S. leader as a dictator and would-be king. The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat under a special viewing stand constructed south of the White House to watch the display of American military might. — The Associated Press

Gallery Credit: The Associated Press

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom