Man Sentenced by Great Falls Judge for Entering U.S. Illegally

The United States Attorney's Office, District of Montana announced a major sentencing on Wednesday as part of Operation Take Back America.

The case stems from arrest made back in March.

What is Operation Take Back America?

According to a memo from the U.S. Department of Justice, the core mission of Operation Take Back America consists of five objectives.

1. "Repelling the invasion of illegal immigration"
2. "Achieving total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs)"
3. "Establishing homeland security task forces"
4. "Charging the most serious, readily provable offense"
5. "Restoring the death penalty"

Authorities recently announced the sentencing of a man involved in case under that operation and his punishment is looking pretty serious. According to the release, Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

"A Mexican man who used fake immigration documents was sentenced today to time served, 62 days, and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol," Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said in an official press release.

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"Salvador Santiago-Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of use and possession of fraudulent immigration documents."

Santiago-Lopez complied with authorities and according to the statement, "admitted to being a citizen and national of Mexico without legal documentation to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States."

"He further admitted to crossing the international boundary illegally without inspection by an Immigration Officer at a designated Port of Entry."

Paying Money to Cross the Border

Authorities say Santiago-Lopez was in possession of "over $18,000" in a duffle bag with the intent of collecting $12,000 more from his brother in Washington "so he would have $30,000 to pay to have his sister smuggled into the United States."

He was also in possession of several fake documents including a fake social security card and fake I-551 Card, which he used to gain employment.

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Unfortunately, it was also revealed Santiago-Lops also used those documents when was previously arrested for DUI.

Authorities say he entered the United States illegally on August 20, 2017.