PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — A Florida grand jury indicted eight men on charges of illegal reentry into the United States, and seven were convicted of federal crimes just during the month of February, according to U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin.

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“My office continues to make positive contributions to the success of Operation Take Back America as we follow the directive set forth by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively prosecute criminal aliens who have repeatedly violated our immigration laws and endangered the safety of our communities,” Heekin said. “Those who try to lie, cheat, and steal their way into our country will be met with swift justice and quick deportations.”

According to court records, the following men were indicted:

Franklin Zelaya-Funez, 33, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in June 2025, after previously being deported in 2021. Trial is set for March 16, 2026.

Mario Lopez-Martinez, 33, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Madison County in November 2025, after previously being deported in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Trial is set for March 31, 2026.

Benancio Cuyuch-Pelico, 37, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2013. Trial is set for April 20, 2026.

Santos Gonon, 25, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2019. Plea and sentencing are set for March 25, 2026.

Pablo Cuyuch-Garcia, 35, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2011. Trial is set for April 20, 2026.

Jose Francisco Santizo-Perez, 41, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2010, twice in 2019, and 2021. Change of plea is set for March 10, 2026.

Gordolias Perez-Ramirez, 32, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2018. Trial is set for April 6, 2026.

Antonio Isidro-Lopez, 44, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2025. Trial is set for April 6, 2026.

Heekin said the penalty for illegally reentering the country after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Zelaya-Funez and Santizo-Perez each face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine because of prior convictions.

“An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt,” Heekin said. “All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”

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Also in February, seven defendants already indicted were convicted of being in the country after having been removed previously. Those are:

Juan Salgado, of Mexico, who was previously removed in September 2012. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on November 8, 2025.

Jose Alberto Orozco-Sanchez, of Mexico, who was previously removed in August 2019 and November 2019. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on November 19, 2025.

Kevin A. Perez-Portillo, of El Salvador, who was previously removed in August 2017. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on December 9, 2025.

Emin Perez-Mendez, of Mexico, who was previously removed in August 2018. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on December 23, 2025.

Robin Quinones-Valles, of Honduras, who was previously removed in March 2014. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on December 10, 2025.

Brahayan Vargas-Pinzon, of Columbia, who was previously removed in July 2025. He was encountered in Leon County on December 9, 2025.

Abel DeJesus Ronquillo-Martinez, of El Salvador, who was previously removed in January 2014. He was encountered in Florida on October 8, 2025.

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