Wilson Oswaldo Galvan-Lope, a Guatemalan citizen aged 25, has been arrested and charged in Rochester, New York, with illegal reentry into the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, highlighting that the charge could lead to a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is managing the case, reported that on March 24, 2025, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations were observing a residence on Orange Street in Rochester. This surveillance focused on Galvan-Lope, who was under investigation for being found in the country following a previous deportation. Agents observed a truck departing the residence and identified the driver as resembling Galvan-Lope. A vehicle stop was conducted near the intersection of Whitney Street and Lyell Avenue. Routine checks revealed that neither Galvan-Lope nor the two passengers had any legal immigration status in the U.S., leading to their detention. Galvan-Lope had been deported in May 2023.
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and ensuring community safety from violent crime.
Galvan-Lope has appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and is currently detained. Homeland Security Investigations, under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, conducted the investigation that led to the criminal complaint.
It is important to note that the charge against Galvan-Lope is an accusation, and he is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
