Maryland Prosecutors Indict Twelve for Illegal Re-entry
The U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting twelve individuals as part of an effort to target transnational criminal activity.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Federal authorities in Maryland have indicted twelve individuals for illegal re-entry into the United States following their prior removal. The prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative focused on dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
Why it matters
Operation Take Back America aims to reduce illegal immigration and enhance public safety by targeting individuals who have returned to the U.S. after being deported. These legal actions highlight ongoing federal efforts to enforce immigration statutes in the state.
A grand jury has indicted twelve individuals on charges of illegal re-entry. These defendants, ranging in age from 21 to 47, include individuals previously convicted of third-degree sexual offenses and burglary in Maryland.
The players
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland
This federal agency is responsible for the prosecution of federal crimes and the enforcement of national laws within the state of Maryland.
Edwin Abel Aplicano-Vargas
He is a defendant currently serving a prison sentence for third-degree sexual offense convictions in Prince George's County.
Juan Carlos Rivas-Montano
He is an individual who pled guilty to illegal re-entry after being found by authorities in Hyattsville in December 2025.
Celstino Patishtan
He is a defendant who entered a guilty plea following his removal in 2024 and a prior burglary sentence in Cecil County.
The details
The defendants include Edwin Abel Aplicano-Vargas, currently serving time for a sexual offense in Prince George's County, and Celstino Patishtan, who pled guilty following a burglary sentence in Cecil County. Juan Carlos Rivas-Montano also pled guilty after being located in Hyattsville in December 2025.
Timeline
Juan Carlos Rivas-Montano was deported in 2006.
Edwin Abel Aplicano-Vargas was removed in 2011.
Juan Cerritos was removed in 2014.
Quirino Guerrero-Liberato and Carlos Alberto Osorio-Suarez were removed in 2023.
Juan Carlos Rivas-Montano was found in Hyattsville in December 2025.
Legal Context
These prosecutions follow the enforcement framework established by Operation Take Back America, which focuses on targeted federal intervention against repeat offenders. This strategy reflects a broader trend of utilizing federal indictments to address immigration violations linked to local criminal history.
These federal prosecutions are part of a targeted initiative to improve community safety by identifying and charging individuals who have returned to the state after deportation. Residents may see continued federal law enforcement activity as the investigation into these networks proceeds.
The takeaway
The federal government continues to leverage coordinated operations to prosecute repeat immigration offenders within the state. These cases underscore the significant intersection between local criminal convictions and federal immigration enforcement priorities.
Further reading
For more information on legal actions in the region, visit Maryland Sex Crimes.
More information
View official updates through Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office resources.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
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