A Mexican national, Maria Vega-Villalba, appeared in federal court in Las Vegas to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after being previously deported. The 45-year-old is charged with one count of being a deported alien found in the United States. Her preliminary hearing is set for September 23, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J Albregts.
Court documents and statements made during proceedings allege that Vega-Villalba was removed from the United States on May 16, 2024. Authorities say she reentered the country without authorization and was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a targeted operation on August 21, 2025.
Vega-Villalba was convicted on January 23, 2023, by the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County for Attempt Sale or Transportation for Sale of a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl). After serving her sentence, an immigration judge ordered her removal on May 14, 2024; she was deported two days later.
If convicted of the current charge, Vega-Villalba faces up to ten years in prison, one year 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 Acting Field Office Director Jason Knight announced the charges. The ICE Salt Lake City office in Las Vegas investigated the case and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting it.
Members of the public are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting information through an online tip form.
“An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
