LAS VEGAS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Nevada), published as received.

LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals and one Honduran national unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

“This indictment highlights the fact that aliens who show a complete contempt for the law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The District of Nevada, through Operation Take Back America, will continue to use our existing laws as a deterrent for those who choose to engage in illegal acts.”

Cristian Omar Valencia-Gomez and Jose Flores, both citizens of Mexico, and Kevin Idel Moncada-Lopez, a citizen of Honduras, are each charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for all three defendants are scheduled for July 7, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Valencia-Gomez, Flores, and Moncada-Lopez were all previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.

On June 7, 2024, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Valencia-Gomez for two counts of Battery Domestic Violence 3rd Offence, Child Abuse or Neglect with Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm, Attempt Home Invasion, Destroy Property of Another, and Harassment. On June 12, 2026, after serving a term of 19-to-48 months in prison for Battery Constituting Domestic Violence, and Child Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment, Valencia-Gomez was remanded by the Nevada Department of Corrections to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Valencia-Gomez had been previously deported to Mexico three times, on or about October 7, 2017, January 14, 2018, and January 18, 2018.

On June 8, 2024, officers with the Las Vegas, Metropolitan Police Department arrested Flores in Las Vegas, Nevada, for Trafficking Controlled Substance, Own/Possess Gun by Prohibited Person, Carry/Possess Firearm During and in Commission of a Drug Offense, and four counts Sell/Transport Controlled Substance. On June 3, 2026, after serving a term of two-to-five years in prison for Trafficking in Controlled Substance, Flores was remanded by the Nevada Department of Corrections to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Flores also has a conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana out of the United States District Court, District of Arizona. Flores had been previously deported to Mexico on or about June 6, 2018.

On January 30, 2024, officers with the Sparks Police Department arrested Moncada-Lopez for assault with a deadly weapon. On June 4, 2026, after serving a term of 24-to-60-months in prison for battery with the use of deadly weapon, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Moncada-Lopez to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Moncada-Lopez had been previously deported to Honduras on or about October 13, 2012.

If convicted, Flores faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, Valencia-Gomez and Moncada-Lopez each face a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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