Honduran man living illegally in Houston sentenced to federal prison after repeatedly returning to the United States following multiple removals
Houston, Texas – In a case highlighting repeated immigration violations and ongoing federal enforcement efforts, a 61-year-old Honduran national living in Houston has been sentenced to prison after once again illegally reentering the United States.
Federal officials announced that Angel Arquimedez Coto-Martinez, who had previously been removed from the country multiple times, pleaded guilty on Dec. 5, 2025, to illegally returning to the United States. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr., who ordered Coto-Martinez to serve 38 months in federal prison.
During sentencing, the court emphasized the defendant’s repeated immigration violations and criminal record. Authorities noted that he had previously been removed from the United States several times but continued to return without authorization.
Coto-Martinez is not a U.S. citizen, and officials confirmed that he will once again face removal proceedings after he completes his federal prison sentence.
Long History of Illegal Reentries
According to federal authorities, Coto-Martinez has a lengthy history of immigration violations that stretches back nearly two decades. Records show that immigration officials first removed him from the United States in July 2005.
However, the removal did not stop him from returning. Authorities later deported him again in December 2010 and once more in July 2016. Despite those removals, Coto-Martinez continued to come back into the country without legal authorization.
Officials reported that immigration authorities removed him twice more in 2022, showing a continued pattern of illegal reentry. Even after being ordered removed on Feb. 27, 2022, the violations did not end.
Law enforcement later discovered Coto-Martinez once again living in the Houston area on Oct. 25, 2025. At that time, authorities determined that he did not have legal permission to remain in the United States.
The repeated returns ultimately led to federal charges and the case that resulted in his recent conviction and sentence.
Following the court’s ruling, officials confirmed that Coto-Martinez has remained in custody. He will stay in federal custody while awaiting transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, which will be determined in the near future.
The investigation into the case was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Enforcement and Removal Operations. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ekua Assabill.
Federal officials also stated that the case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice. The initiative focuses on using federal resources to address illegal immigration, combat transnational criminal organizations and cartels, and protect communities from individuals involved in violent criminal activity.
