Julio Cesar Moreno, a 47-year-old citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on April 9 to 54 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally reentering the United States as a felon.
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement and immigration authorities to address repeated illegal entries into the country by individuals with prior criminal convictions. Moreno’s case highlights the legal consequences faced by those who return unlawfully after multiple removals and felony offenses.
Court records show that Moreno was arrested in Britt, Iowa, on September 15, 2025, for speeding and not having a valid driver’s license. While in custody, officials determined he had been removed from the United States to Mexico eight times before. He admitted entering without permission following his previous removals and had four prior aggravated felony convictions while in the United States. In addition, Moreno was convicted of two counts of felony deadly conduct involving firearm discharge in Hidalgo, Texas, in 2005.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand handed down the sentence at Sioux City federal court. In addition to his prison term, Moreno will serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence. Federal parole is not available under current regulations.
Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood prosecuted the case with investigations conducted by both the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
