Louisiana Crackdown: Three Face Federal Immigration Charges

SHREVEPORT, LA

In three separate cases, a federal grand jury handed down indictments for cases involving men found to be unlawfully present within the Western District. Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook made the announcement on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Repeated Re-entry Leads to Indictment for Ariel Mauricio Zelaya-Pineda

Ariel Mauricio Zelaya-Pineda, also known as Carlos Antonio Pineda Ramos, found himself in federal custody after an initial complaint on April 30, 2025. The grand jury's subsequent indictment detailed a pattern of repeated re-entry into the United States.

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Zelaya-Pineda had been removed from the country no fewer than six times, with locations ranging from Georgia to Texas and finally, Alexandria, Louisiana, in July of the previous year including:

On or about April 27, 2009, at or near Columbus, Georgia;
On or about November 10, 2010, at or near San Antonio, Texas;
On or about May 27, 2013, at or near Dallas, Texas;
On or about November 19, 2018, at or near Houston, Texas;
On or about February 17, 2020, at or near Houston, Texas; and
On or about July 29, 2024, at or near Alexandria, Louisiana.

If convicted, Zelaya-Pineda faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Homero Arroyo-Ayala Faces Multiple Charges Including Drug and Firearm Offenses

The second indictment against 47 year-old Homero Arroyo-Ayala, a citizen of Mexico. He faced not only a charge of illegal re-entry after a 2003 removal in California but also allegations of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm to further drug trafficking, and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Authorities alleged that in November 2024, Arroyo-Ayala was found in Bossier Parish with over 500 grams of methamphetamine and a 9mm "ghost gun." His prior conviction in California for selling a controlled substance, an aggravated felony, added another layer to his legal troubles, potentially increasing his sentence. The combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police led to his indictment, with Assistant United States Attorney William Gaskins assigned to the prosecution.

Arroyo-Ayala now faces a minimum of five years and potentially a lifetime in prison, along with significant fines.

Erik Alexis Valladares-Corea Indicted for Re-entry and Firearm Possession

The third case involved 23-year-old Erik Alexis Valladares-Corea, also known as Eric A. Valladares, another citizen of Honduras. Like Zelaya-Pineda, he was charged with re-entering the United States after a previous removal in May 2020 near Alexandria.

The indictment further alleged that Valladares was found to be in possession of a Beretta .22 caliber pistol and ammunition. Having been previously denied admission and deported, Valladares, like the others, had not obtained the necessary consent to return.

His case, investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police, also fell under the purview of Assistant United States Attorney William Gaskins. If convicted, Valladares could face up to 15 years in prison and a substantial fine.