A Honduran national, Rigoberto Osorio-Merlo, 49, appeared in court on charges of illegally reentering the United States after having been previously deported. Osorio-Merlo faces one count of being a deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is set for December 4, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah.
According to information from the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, Osorio-Merlo was deported from the U.S. on January 15, 2009, and again on November 14, 2018. Authorities allege he reentered the country without authorization.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) became aware of Osorio-Merlo’s presence after his arrest by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers on July 22, 2024. He was arrested for Duty to Stop at Scene of Accident, Destroy/Conceal Evidence, and Reckless Driving Resulting in Death or Substantial Bodily Harm. On July 30, 2025, he was transferred to ICE custody from the Nevada Department of Corrections based on an immigration detainer.
Osorio-Merlo has two prior DUI convictions from 2011 and 2016. Following his July 2024 arrest, he was convicted of Reckless Driving Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm or Death.
If convicted of illegal reentry after deportation, Osorio-Merlo could face up to two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Jason Knight announced the charges.
The case is being investigated by ICE’s Salt Lake City office in Las Vegas and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Members of the public are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activity related to immigration enforcement by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or using an online tip form.
“A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
