ICE Arrests Man Facing Third Deportation in NJ
Martin Martinez-Ballinas has been deported from the United States twice — and is now in ICE custody facing a third removal. The 38-year-old Mexican national was taken from federal prison in New Jersey on July 22, 2026, after serving time for illegal reentry. His case shows exactly how federal law treats people who return to the US after deportation.
Martin Martinez-Ballinas, 38, a Mexican national, is in ICE custody in New Jersey and facing deportation for the third time. ICE took him from federal prison at Fort Dix on July 22, 2026, where he was serving time for illegal reentry after a prior deportation. His case is a stark example of how federal immigration enforcement treats repeat violators — and what the legal consequences look like.
A Timeline of Deportations and Reentries
Martinez-Ballinas was first deported in 2020, after completing a prison sentence for a 2017 felony conviction in Maryland. That conviction involved a deadly automotive offense that killed a U.S. Marine. In 2021, U.S. Border Patrol caught him trying to cross the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. A federal court in the Southern District of Texas convicted him of illegal reentry and sentenced him to 15 months in prison. ICE removed him a second time in October 2022. He then reentered the US undetected and was arrested again in Maryland in December 2023.
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ERO Newark Acting Field Office Director Arthur J. Wilson, Jr. said in a statement: "Martinez-Ballinas repeatedly and flagrantly disregarded the laws of the United States and faces deportation for the third time." Wilson added that federal immigration violations carry serious consequences and that ICE will continue to enforce the law.
What This Means for People in Removal Proceedings
If you have a prior deportation order on your record — even one from years ago — any new encounter with law enforcement or immigration authorities can trigger immediate removal proceedings. A prior removal order makes it much harder to apply for relief such as asylum or a stay of deportation. People with prior orders generally have very limited time to act: the deadline to appeal a removal order is 30 days, and a motion to reopen a case must be filed within 90 days of the original order.
What to Do
- If you have a prior deportation order, contact an immigration lawyer immediately — do not wait for ICE to act first.
- If you are detained, you have the right to request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. An attorney can file Form I-246 (a Stay of Deportation application) for a fee of $155.
- If you believe you qualify for asylum or another form of relief, ask your attorney about filing a motion to reopen your case. That motion must be filed within 90 days of the original removal order.
- Do not attempt to reenter the US after deportation without legal authorization — illegal reentry after removal is a federal felony that results in a longer prison sentence and makes future immigration relief nearly impossible.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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A prior deportation order is one of the most serious immigration bars a person can face. If you were previously removed and are now back in the US — legally or not — you are at immediate risk of reinstatement of that old order, which bypasses a new immigration court hearing entirely. Anyone in this situation should consult an immigration attorney right away to assess whether any exceptions apply, such as a fear-based claim that could qualify for withholding of removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if ICE finds someone who was already deported?
ICE can reinstate the original removal order without a new immigration court hearing. That means the person can be deported quickly, often without the chance to present new arguments or apply for relief.
Is illegal reentry a criminal offense?
Yes. Returning to the US after deportation without legal permission is a federal felony. Penalties include prison time — up to 2 years for a first offense, and up to 20 years if the prior deportation followed a felony conviction.
Can someone with a prior deportation order ever return legally?
In some cases, yes. A person who was deported may apply for permission to reapply for admission (Form I-212). Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the reason for the original deportation. An immigration attorney can assess whether you qualify.
What is the deadline to appeal a deportation order?
You have 30 days from the date of the removal order to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If you miss that window, options become very limited. A motion to reopen must be filed within 90 days of the original order.