Operation Take Back America: Nationwide Initiative to Combat Violent Crime and Illegal Immigration

Strategic Insights -

United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe has announced the return of an indictment charging Hilario Diaz-Velazquez with illegal reentry after deportation and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. This indictment is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that aims to combat violent crime and illegal immigration. The operation involves marshaling the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from perpetrators of violent crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hilario Diaz-Velazquez, a 32-year-old Mexican national, has been charged with illegal reentry after deportation and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
  • Diaz-Velazquez was previously deported from the United States on November 26, 2012.
  • The indictment is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat violent crime and illegal immigration.
  • The operation involves the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) to streamline efforts and resources.
  • Diaz-Velazquez was arrested by the Palmetto Police Department in response to a call regarding shots fired on 14th Street in Palmetto.
  • Two firearms were seized from the vehicle in which Diaz-Velazquez was a passenger.
  • The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Palmetto Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.
  • Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall is prosecuting the case.

Statistics:

  • 15 years: Maximum penalty for Hilario Diaz-Velazquez if convicted.
  • 2: Numbers of firearms seized from the vehicle.
  • 26: Date (Nov 26) of Diaz-Velazquez's previous deportation from the United States.
  • 2012: Year of Diaz-Velazquez's previous deportation.
  • 14th Street: Location where shots were fired and Diaz-Velazquez was arrested.
  • 2025: Year of the incident.

Sources:

  • Office of United States Attorneys
  • Tampa, Florida
  • United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe