Once deported to Mexico, Alejandro Perez will not be allowed back into the United States for another 20 years. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — In federal court on Friday, Alejandro Perez pleaded guilty to unlawful re-entry into the United States. It's an update to a story 5 On Your Side covered in December. A Ballwin woman, Janie Perez, is doing everything she can to keep her family together, after her husband, Alejandro, was detained by ICE in October. Court documents said Alejandro was removed once in 2012 and he entered the country unlawfully on three separate occasions, but voluntarily removed himself after contact with law enforcement each time. Now, he will be forced back to Mexico. Friday afternoon, Alejandro entered a guilty plea before a judge. Outside the federal courthouse, loved ones embraced Janie. This was after their friends, family, church members and even strangers packed the courtroom to show solidarity. "It fills my heart with so much just thankfulness that he is he's not alone," said Janie. "It's not who he is. I mean, he's the sweetest man. He is the sweetest, dad, and husband and son and hardest worker." Both the United States and defense attorney, Ray Bolourtchi, recommended a three-month sentence. Bolourtchi said based on Alejandro's history, the range of punishment is zero to six months. A judge will determine the final sentencing. Bolourtchi explains sentencing guidelines are based on a point system.Bolourtchi added, "He received an additional reduction in the calculation of the points because he has zero criminal history known to the United States or to the defense." Alejandro's sentencing is scheduled for March, but it could be moved up to February per Bolourtchi's request. The judge was receptive to an earlier sentencing date. Alejandro has been detained since October, meaning he will have completed his time served by the sentencing date. Once his sentence is complete, Alejandro will be held for 48 hours for pick up. From there, he'll be deported to Mexico in three to 10 days. Once deported to Mexico, Alejandro will not be allowed back into the United States for another 20 years."If this family wants to be together as a family unit, it's not gonna happen here," Bolourtchi shared.He won't be going alone. "It's going to be tough to uproot my whole life here, but we will do it to be together as a family because that's the most important to me," added Janie.Janie along with their two daughters will move their lives to Mexico. "I'm terrified to move. I mean, I've only ever lived here," pointed out Janie. "My daughter, who's 3, she is in school for her first year and she has some special needs. So we're gonna let her finish this spring and likely that we will move this summer." To show a glimpse of their life here, Janie shared wedding photos. It was a COVID wedding, a plan B option. An early sign of how they adapt. "We trust that God's in control and we will have a beautiful life no matter what and we're going to make our home as a family wherever we are," shared Janie.