Honduran Man Sentenced After Drug Arrest and Illegal Reentry

What Happened

A 30-year-old man from Honduras was sentenced to 54 months — about four and a half years — in federal prison on April 21, 2026, in Seattle. Jorge Aguilar-Martinez was convicted for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy and for returning to the United States after being previously removed (deported). After he finishes his sentence, authorities say he will be sent back to Honduras.

The case came out of Operation Sledgehammer, an investigation led by HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), a federal law enforcement agency. The operation targeted a network distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine across the Pacific Northwest. Aguilar-Martinez was arrested in October 2025 after he tried to connect an undercover law enforcement contact to drug suppliers. When the deal went through, agents arrested him and two others. Together, they were found with about 28 pounds of meth and 10,000 fentanyl pills.

Aguilar-Martinez had a long criminal history in the US, including prior arrests in California and Washington for assault, drug possession, drug sales, domestic violence, and harassing communications — all while living in the country without legal status. His two co-conspirators, also in the US without legal status, were charged separately. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has already removed them to their home countries.

Why This Matters for Immigrants

This case is a clear example of how a criminal conviction — especially for drug trafficking or illegal reentry — can lead directly to removal proceedings (the official legal process that can end in deportation). Under US immigration law, certain crimes are considered grounds for deportation, even for people who have lived in the country for many years. If you are undocumented or have a visa, a criminal conviction can trigger an ICE detainer and start the removal process.

What to Do

• If you or a family member has a criminal record and is worried about deportation, contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can review whether past convictions affect your immigration status.
• If ICE contacts you or you receive a notice to appear in immigration court (called a Notice to Appear, or NTA), do not ignore it. Missing a court date can result in an automatic removal order.
• If you are undocumented and have prior criminal charges — even arrests without convictions — lawyers recommend getting a legal consultation before any interaction with law enforcement or immigration authorities.
• If you have a pending application (such as a green card application or work permit, also called an EAD) and you have a criminal history, tell your immigration lawyer about all past arrests, even if charges were dropped.