A Guatemalan citizen, Elmer Enrique Ramirez-Ardon, pleaded guilty on April 16 in U.S. District Court in Portland to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal.
Ramirez-Ardon’s case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts addressing illegal immigration and border security. According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol agents observed a white box truck near Stratton, Maine, on March 12, 2026. The truck was heading north toward the U.S.-Canadian border before reversing direction and traveling south into the state. Ramirez-Ardon was found as a passenger during this stop.
During a roadside immigration inspection, agents determined that both occupants of the vehicle did not have legal authority to be in the country. They were taken to the Rangeley Border Patrol Station for processing where it was confirmed that Ramirez-Ardon had previously been deported from the United States in 2014.
Ramirez-Ardon faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing will occur after completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office; sentencing decisions will be made by a federal district judge based on guidelines and statutory factors.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, described as “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes like this one and handling civil matters involving government interests according to its official website. The office also collects debts owed to federal agencies and builds alliances with law enforcement at all levels statewide according to its official website. Operating out of Portland and Bangor, it serves as Maine’s chief federal law enforcement agency according to its official website.
