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  4. CBP Arrests Previously Removed Alien Felon en Route to NYC

CBP Arrests Previously Removed Alien Felon en Route to NYC

Release Date
Thu, 05/02/2019

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers arrested Wednesday a Dominican Republic National attempting to board a flight at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport scheduled to reach New York City.   

On May 1, during pre-departure inspections authorized by federal law, CBP Officers encountered an individual who claimed to be a U.S. Citizen by the name of Jose Ramon Quintero-Peña, presenting a Puerto Rico Driver’s License.   

CBP Officers referred the passenger to further examination. Upon questioning, CBP Officers were able to confirm his identity as Rafael Bienvenido Hernandez-Reynoso, a citizen of the Dominican Republic.

Mr. Hernandez-Reynoso could not furnish immigration document as proof if his legal immigration status in the United States.

Moreover, Hernandez-Reynoso had a prior criminal history.  In 2007, the East Boston District Court convicted Mr. Hernandez-Reynoso of possession of cocaine and sentenced him to one-year probation.  Border Patrol agents in Laredo, Texas apprehended him in 2011.  

In 2012 and 2014, law enforcement officers found Hernandez-Reynoso illegally in the United States and, both times, removed to the Dominican Republic.  

Mr. Hernandez-Reynoso was arrested May 1st, and brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce McGiverin for an initial appearance, for violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(b)(1), for reentry subsequent to a felony conviction.

“Aliens with criminal records seek ways to reenter the country and elude detection,” indicated Edwin Cruz, San Juan Area Port Director. “Our officers are trained to detect individuals illegally present in the country violating our laws.” 

Assistant US Attorney Elba Gorbea is prosecuting the case.  

If convicted, Mr Hernandez Reynoso faces imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or a fine, or both. 

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. 

CBP’s mission is to facilitate travel while maintaining the highest standards of security for those who live here and for those who come to visit. 

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021