A Mexican national, Juan De Dios Tena-Granados, has been charged with unlawful entry into the United States. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that Tena-Granados, aged 39, was charged by criminal complaint for entering the country at a location not designated by immigration authorities.
On May 27, 2025, Tena-Granados appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. He pleaded guilty and received a time-served sentence. According to court documents, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended him after he was seen walking southbound in Highgate, Vermont—an area known for illegal crossings from Canada. During a post-arrest interview, Tena-Granados admitted to his illegal entry.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigatory efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol in this case.
The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra, while William A. Vasiliou II represents Tena-Granados.
This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational crime by utilizing resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
