Aggrevated felony

Leonides Hernanez-Portillo, 39, made his first appearance in federal court today (July 2) facing two felony criminal counts related to illegal immigration.

He was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 10.

Hernandez had been previously deported in 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2017 and has a prior federal felony firearm conviction from New York state. Minnesota state court records indicate that he hails from El Salvador. He is described in court filings as having “habitual residence” in the United States.

At the state level, Hernandez is currently facing a misdemeanor domestic assault case out of St. Lous Park. He failed to appear for a state court hearing in January, and was picked up via a warrant in late April. Hernandez requested permission to appear at a May state court date via Zoom, fearing ICE would show up if he appeared in person at the courthouse. His request was denied and now here we are.

The federal judge today denied a motion to even conduct a detention hearing. Hernandez was “released” on $0 bond, awaiting a next federal court date, which has not been set.

Presumably, he was immediately re-acquired by ICE for whatever Immigration Court process awaits him.

His next state court appearance is scheduled for July 17, if he is available.