ICE Arrests Mexican National With Multiple Removals in CA
ICE arrested a Mexican national in Garden Grove, California on October 18, 2026, after he had already been removed from the United States twice — in 2002 and again in 2014. The man had re-entered the country a third time without authorization and was found to have multiple criminal convictions. He now faces reinstatement of his prior removal order, one of the fastest deportation tracks in the US immigration system.
On October 18, ICE officers arrested Serferino Trinidad Ortega during a targeted enforcement operation in Garden Grove, California. Ortega, a Mexican national, had been ordered removed by an immigration judge and was physically removed in October 2002. He re-entered the US, was removed again in August 2014, and then re-entered a third time at an unknown date and location. He now sits in ICE custody pending reinstatement of his prior removal order.
What reinstatement of removal means
Reinstatement of removal (also called "reinstated removal") is a legal process that allows ICE to deport someone using an old removal order — without a new hearing before an immigration judge. If you have a prior removal order and re-enter the US without permission, ICE can reinstate that order almost immediately. You generally do not get a new immigration court hearing. The only limited exception is if you express a fear of returning to your home country, which triggers a "reasonable fear" screening by an asylum officer.
Deportation Defense Checklist — Free
Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
During the arrest, Ortega refused officers' commands and attempted to barricade himself under his vehicle. He complained of head pain after being detained and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. After being medically cleared, he was transferred to ICE custody. ICE Assistant Director for Public Affairs Micah Bock stated that ICE is prioritizing removal of individuals with criminal histories. Ortega's record includes two DUI convictions, two convictions for cruelty toward a spouse, obstruction of a police officer, and battery and assault of a police officer.
Under current 2026 enforcement priorities, ICE is actively targeting individuals with prior removal orders and criminal records. An apprehension fee of $5,300 now applies in cases involving inadmissible aliens, effective October 1, 2026. Cases like this one show that re-entry after removal — especially with a criminal record — dramatically increases the speed and certainty of deportation.
What to do
- If you or someone you know has a prior removal order and has re-entered the US, contact an immigration lawyer immediately. Reinstatement cases move fast and leave very little time to respond.
- If you fear returning to your home country, tell ICE or the asylum officer during any screening. Expressing a credible fear of persecution or torture is the main legal avenue available in reinstatement cases.
- Do not ignore any ICE notice or court document. Missing a hearing or failing to respond can result in an order of removal issued in your absence.
- Keep records of any medical treatment, legal filings, or communications with immigration authorities. These documents may matter in any future proceedings.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Reinstatement of removal is one of the most difficult situations in immigration law because the prior order is treated as final — there is no automatic right to a new hearing before an immigration judge. However, if the person expresses a fear of return, they are entitled to a reasonable fear screening by an asylum officer, and if that screening is positive, the case goes to an immigration judge for withholding-only proceedings. Anyone in this situation should assert that fear immediately and in writing. Do not wait — consult an immigration attorney the moment you learn ICE is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if ICE finds someone with a prior removal order?
ICE can reinstate the old removal order without starting a new case in immigration court. This means deportation can happen very quickly, often without a hearing before a judge.
Is there any way to fight reinstatement of removal?
The main option is to express a fear of persecution or torture if returned to your home country. This triggers a 'reasonable fear' interview with an asylum officer. If the officer finds your fear credible, an immigration judge will hear your case for withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
What is the $5,300 apprehension fee mentioned in 2026?
As of October 1, 2026, ICE charges a $5,300 fee in cases involving the apprehension of inadmissible aliens. This is a government-imposed cost and does not affect your legal rights in removal proceedings.
Can someone re-enter the US legally after being deported?
Generally, a person who has been removed is barred from re-entering the US for 10 years or permanently, depending on the circumstances. Re-entering without permission after a removal order is a federal crime and makes deportation almost certain if caught.