Missoula, Montana – A Mexican national who had previously been removed from the United States several times has been sentenced to federal prison after once again illegally reentering the country.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith announced that Rodolfo Jaime Yanez-Contreras, 43, received a 10-month prison sentence for illegally returning to the United States after being deported.
Yanez-Contreras pleaded guilty in February 2026 to one count of reentry after having been removed from the United States. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen imposed the sentence.
Prior deportations and convictions played a key role
According to court documents, Yanez-Contreras had been deported from Texas five times between 2000 and 2017. Federal prosecutors said he was removed from the United States in 2000, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2017.
Authorities stated that his final two removals followed felony convictions for illegal reentry into the country.
The latest case began on Dec. 23, 2025, when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Bozeman where Yanez-Contreras was staying.
The search was carried out by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. During the operation, officers encountered Yanez-Contreras among the individuals at the home.
After determining his identity, investigators confirmed that he had previously been deported multiple times and was once again in the United States without legal authorization.
Following the investigation, Yanez-Contreras was charged with illegal reentry after removal. He later admitted guilt, leading to his sentencing in federal court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation.
Federal officials said the prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities by pursuing individuals accused of violating federal immigration and criminal laws.
