HONOLULU – A Mexican national was sentenced to 54 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being removed ten times and having three prior felony convictions for the same crime. Navor Salas Cruz, 52, came to the attention of law enforcement after a 2024 Kauaʻi arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.
Salas Cruz, who pleaded guilty on April 4, 2025, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson. According to court documents and statements made at sentencing, Salas Cruz was removed from the United States to Mexico ten times between 1997 and 2020. In addition to his three prior federal convictions for illegal reentry, his extensive criminal history includes convictions for abuse of a household member, assault, a violation of a protective order, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
At the sentencing, Judge Watson stated that Salas Cruz had “learned precious little over the last 25 years” and that his prior crimes have put the public at risk.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted the case as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and criminal organizations.